Maplewell Successfully Deploys Refrigerators as Energy Storage Pilot
Introduction
As the world continues to shift towards renewable energy sources, the need for efficient energy management systems has become more important than ever. Maplewell, a company specializing in energy management solutions, has recently launched its JANiiT platform, which provides real-time demand charge management and demand response for commercial and industrial buildings up to 250,000 square feet. The platform has been successfully piloted at two Parkland USA sites in Denver and Salt Lake City, where it was used to dynamically balance the buildings’ energy use and reduce peak usage. The technology used, known as thermal energy storage (TES) in refrigeration, has proven to be highly effective in optimizing and balancing loads as needed.
The Pilot
During the pilot, Maplewell released the beta version of its demand management software, JANiiT, at two Parkland USA sites in Denver and Salt Lake City. Using on-site refrigerators and HVAC as energy storage, the pilot was successful in dynamically balancing the buildings’ energy use and reducing peak usage. The technology used, known as thermal energy storage (TES) in refrigeration, precools canned and bottled beverages prior to an energy peak, optimizing and balancing loads as needed. Initial performance showed a 25% reduction in peak energy usage for the convenience store, with savings going directly to the building operator. With the addition of energy storage, future reductions are expected to reach 42%.
The Technology
The technology used in the Maplewell pilot is known as thermal energy storage (TES) in refrigeration. This technology involves using refrigerators and HVAC systems as energy storage devices. By precooling canned and bottled beverages prior to an energy peak, the system is able to optimize and balance loads as needed. This not only reduces peak energy usage but also helps to manage energy more efficiently, reducing demand charges and saving money for building operators.
The Benefits
The benefits of the Maplewell system are numerous. By using demand management systems to drive down cost, lower demand peaks, and more effectively manage usage of energy assets, customers are finally able to realize true value in energy management. The advanced forecasting and predictive control technologies available in the Maplewell beta have led to superior optimization, enabling customers to manage energy more efficiently and reduce demand charges. This not only saves money but also helps to reduce the carbon footprint of commercial and industrial buildings.
The Future
Maplewell’s demand management software goes beyond a traditional building management or automation system to integrate forecasting, predictive control, and real-time feedback-based optimization that is proactive instead of reactive. Advances in forecasting in Maplewell’s JANiiT system have led to superior optimization, enabling customers to finally realize true value in using demand management systems to drive down cost, lower demand peaks, and more effectively manage usage of energy assets. The beta pilot has proven the value and effectiveness of the Maplewell system with technology built into its product and deployed in the field.
Conclusion
As the world continues to shift towards renewable energy sources, the need for efficient energy management systems has become more important than ever. Maplewell’s JANiiT platform provides real-time demand charge management and demand response for commercial and industrial buildings up to 250,000 square feet. The platform has been successfully piloted at two Parkland USA sites in Denver and Salt Lake City, where it was used to dynamically balance the buildings’ energy use and reduce peak usage. The technology used, known as thermal energy storage (TES) in refrigeration, has proven to be highly effective in optimizing and balancing loads as needed. With the addition of energy storage, future reductions are expected to reach 42%. The Maplewell system is a game-changer in the energy management space, and its success in the field is a testament to the effectiveness of its technology.
