[November 12, 2014]

CALMAC App Identifies Potential Energy Demand (kW) Savings for Commercial Installations Using Ice Storage

CALMAC^®, a leader in ice based energy storage systems, launches a new CALMAC (News - Alert) app for thermal energy storage in commercial building projects. Available for free on all Apple and Android smart devices, the app allows manufacturing representatives and mechanical and consulting engineers worldwide to quickly simulate the effect of thermal energy storage installations on demand. Users can predict reductions in peak electrical demand from use of CALMAC's ice-based thermal energy storage tanks. With the app, those developing commercial projects - in either new or existing buildings - can take the first step in determining energy storage needs in a simple and easy-to-use way.

CALMAC's IceBank^® thermal energy storage tanks store inexpnsive nighttime electricity and renewable energy like wind in the form of ice for use during periods of peak electrical demand. Thermal energy storage can also kick in to provide cooling if a cloud prevents use of solar during expensive peak demand hours or during electrical demand response events. With thermal energy storage, building owners can experience significant savings by creating and storing ice at night, when the price of energy is reduced by nearly 50 percent, for next day cooling operations. The app, developed in response to huge demand for a mobile tool similar to CALMAC's IcePick™ Software, assists in the initial selection of its energy storage tanks.

To use the app, simply input the desired function of the energy storage tanks, including total hours available to make ice, total hours the building requires cooling, a partial or full energy storage system and if the user is working in kilowatts or tons. In response, the app delivers a project summary for the potential installation, which includes --

• Number of tanks and chiller size;
• Expected reduction of peak electrical demand (kW);
• Total cooling in kilowatt-hours or ton-hours;
• Total storage in kilowatt-hours or ton-hours;
• Graph of the building's cooling profile.

"The CALMAC app addresses the need for a modern and convenient tool that can easily determine an initial selection of thermal energy storage tanks and the subsequent demand savings," said Mark MacCracken, CEO of CALMAC.

"Often people are on the go and need quick insight into what effect energy storage can have for their project. This app helps to quickly showcase the flexibility and peak savings benefits that the modular ice storage tanks can provide," said Brian Warwicker of the Brian Warwicker Partnership, Building Services Consultants.

About CALMAC:

At CALMAC, we're changing the world, transforming the way buildings use energy for cooling. As the world's leading manufacturer of ice-based energy storage systems, CALMAC's proven technology lowers cooling costs, supports sustainable energy and enables LEED certification. IceBank systems strengthen the smart grid storing critical energy sources - including renewables like wind power - for later use. Our IceBank tanks are installed at over 4,000 locations worldwide. Widely recognized for promoting peak energy conservation and energy cost savings CALMAC is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the California Energy Storage Alliance (CESA), the International Living Future Institute and the Energy Storage Association (ESA).

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]