Suggestion for Demand Response Recommendation - Energy Group

[Mike Balma]

I just learned about a similar program to the Demand Response program at PG&E that seems very powerful for buildings that have peak loads created by AC loads.  It's called Permanent Load Shifting although PG&Es program name is Shift and Save.  A building can shift it's AC energy load significantly from peak to off peak, by using a technology to store cooling energy in the form of ICE.  Here is a the press release from a company in Colorado who is the leader in this area for buildings using refrigerant based AC.
http://www.ice-energy.com/pages/2008NewsReservoir/Apr7/tabid/241/Default.aspx

According to Southern Cal Edison tests, by using energy at night, the system can reduce CO2 by up to 40% because the base load plants or wind etc produce less CO2 than peaking plants.  Creating cooling energy (ICE) is more efficient at night because it's cooler outside.  There is losses of the cooling energy over time however this balances out with the improved efficiency at night.  This is better than than storing the energy in batteries or other energy storage devices which have inefficiencies in both the storing and retrieving the energy.

This mechanism also has the advantage that comfort is maintained for the building owner rather than postponed until the peak usage has passed.  Some reports indicate that after several days of requests to turn off power for DR customers, the customers start opting out of the program.  So if you can shift the demand permanently, it's a more secure dependable way to address the problem.

So I think we should expand our Demand Response recommendation to include Permanent Load Shifting programs such as PG&E's Shift and Save Program.  I think we should include having Mountain View participate in these programs by implementing this technology where appropriate.

This technology can also be complementary for solar installation.  Even though the solar profile matches the peak load fairly well, it's not perfect.  Apparently the peak hours are now around 4-5 pm.  So I'm told SunEdison is using the ICE technology in conjunction with solar to reduce the peak energy use created by building AC needs.

Fyi, the company mentioned about only works on refrigeration based AC building systems.  Many large buildings like those at Google use a central chiller water loop.  I believe systems can be engineered cool energy storage.  However they are more complex and required custom engineering.

Here is suggested wording.
I have copied the building group since they may have some knowledge or experience with this topic.

Regards,

Mike Balma

#7 Encourage participation in Demand Response and Permanent Load Shift programs

lProvide a time-limited utility tax reduction to Commercial and Industrial customers that participate in PG&E / Aggregator Demand Response (DR) and Permanent Load Shifting (PLS) Programs

lRaise the utility tax rate for non-participating firms for the same duration, thereby providing greater economic impetus for participation and revenue-neutrality for the City

lOnce customers experience the benefits of DR and PLS, the utility tax rate stimulus will no longer be required and the reduced CO2(e) emissions will be maintained

lMountain View should investigate and participate in these programs to demonstrate leadership, save money and reduce its carbon footprint