Johnson Controls‘ Distributed Energy Storage System is making it easy for Clemson University (CU) to operate its world class graduate engineering building more efficiently by integrating next-generation energy storage with the building management systems.
At the same time, the project will provide students and faculty the opportunity to collaborate on measuring the energy savings.
The Zucker Family Graduate Education Center can draw power as needed from Johnson Controls L2000 Distributed Energy Storage System to reduce expense during times of peak cost.
The system includes batteries and inverter in a single, compact package able to deliver 160kWh capacity and 50 kW power. Combining the storage and inverter into a turnkey energy storage system provides a cost-effective, easy-to-install package.
(An at-a-glance look at Clemson University’s Restoration Institute, located at 1250 Supply Street in North Charleston, SC. The campus consists of the Warren Lasch Conservation Center, the SCE&G Energy Innovation Center and the Zucker Family Graduate Education Center. Courtesy of Bryce Donovan Creative and YouTube)
The energy storage system integrates seamlessly into the existing Metasys® building automation system, simplifies monitoring and automates battery use based on a patented predictive control software.
By integrating the battery with the building automation system, the large energy consuming loads in the building are controlled alongside the energy storage system to provide an integrated approach to building energy use.
The Clemson partnership is another example of the application of energy storage to higher education facilities.
Forecasts by analysts project the growing demand for energy storage is a market that could reach nearly $18 billion a year by 2022.
“Our Distributed Energy Storage system is a natural extension of our core businesses in the buildings and battery markets and partnering with Clemson University allows us to help deliver the kind of smart and integrated energy management that will keep students and faculty comfortable while driving down utility costs,” said John Schaaf, vice president Distributed Energy Storage, Johnson Controls.
In addition to providing economic value, the system will provide real-world, hands-on experience for Clemson graduate engineering students and faculty to measure and track data related to the energy savings provided by the Johnson Controls Distributed Energy System.
“Clemson University looks forward to the next phase in energy storage research and testing with faculty and students by partnering with Johnson Controls which understands the importance of student engagement as a key success factor for a ready workforce,” said Johan Enslin, Ph.D., Duke Energy Endowed Chair, Smart Grid Technology and executive director Energy Systems Program-Charleston.
“The need for advance energy services, resilient grid infrastructure, cyber physical security concerns and the increasing cost of energy are driving innovation in energy storage technology.”
Johnson Controls has a longstanding relationship with Clemson University, not only enhancing efficiency and sustainability with its Metasys® building automation system but also leveraging the world-class testing capabilities at the Clemson University SCE&G Energy Innovation Center.
(Learn About the Metasys® Building Automation System, courtesy of Johnson Controls and YouTube)
Additionally, Johnson Controls Power Solutions was awarded a two-year contract to Clemson University’s Automotive Engineering department in March.
Students in collaboration with the company’s scientists, are developing a simulation to quantify the effects of battery aging on fuel economy in 48-volt mild hybrid electric vehicles.
The project builds other collaborations with Clemson to develop a method for characterizing real-world driving cycles, in particular the impact of aggressive driving styles on battery life.
