J. Koontz
Rock Energy Storage,
United States
Keywords: TES, thermal energy storage, electrification, decarbonization, grid peak avoidance
Summary:
Thermal Energy Storage (aka- Thermal Batteries) continues to advance as cost-effective solution for decarbonizing thermal energy loads traditionally dependent on fossil fuels. A key differentiator of Thermal Energy Storage (TES) is the ability to use off-peak power, when rates are lowest, and efficiently convert & store this power into useful thermal energy. This stored thermal energy can then be used, as needed, to provide either steam or hot water loads. The Wolfson Hospital is a 635 bed, multi-disciplinary medical facility. The hospital's management wanted to reduce their GHG emissions, in addition to reducing their annual energy costs. After reviewing numerous options, the hospital selected the Brenmiller patented bGEN technology to replace their aging boiler system. The final system sizing and design specified a 15 MW-hour bGEN system which now provides steam to the facility for building heat, domestic hot water, and HVAC systems. The bGEN system will reduce Carbon emissions by 3,900 tons per year, and overall GHG reduction of 95%. Since the bGEN system is charged during off-peak hours, when prices are lowest, this reduced their annual energy cost of steam production by 35%. Like most healthcare facilities, the hospital had tremendous budgetary constraints for capital projects. Due to the project's robust energy cost savings, the Hospital installed the project via an ESCO agreement.