GreenSmith Energy Management Systems has unveiled its proprietary battery unit which shifts electricity load from peak-to off-peak.

The storage system allows utilities to realize measurable reliability and cost benefits by recognizing immediate advantages of the peak versus off-peak arbitrage, ancillary services, efficient distributed energy generation capture such as solar or wind, and the reduction of electrical grid congestion during peak demand periods.

The GreenSmith DESS also actively manages the "green footprint" of energy sources corresponding to the load shape throughout the day.

"The electric power industry has been under increasing pressure from regulators and institutional investors to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Bruce Edelston, Principal of the Energy Policy Group, an industry consultancy.

"Innovations like those from GreenSmith will drive more efficient use of existing generation plants, as well as encourage the use of renewable energy sources."

"Since the unit is controlled by the utility, the solution is transparent to the end user of electricity and does not require consumer behavior change," said Rodney Smith, CEO and Co-founder of GreenSmith.

"Our invention will enable utilities to optimize grid performance providing peak reduction and smart load management."

An innovative entry to the energy storage market, the GreenSmith DESS solution permits utilities and Regional Transmission Organizations (RTO) to load-shift across time and customers to more efficiently manage electricity demand, reduce costs, and increase energy distribution reliability.

By storing lower cost electricity at night and using it during the daytime peaks, the spot market purchasing of more expensive electricity to satisfy peak demand can be reduced.

The GreenSmith DESS base units are designed to shift up to 20 kWh of daily load using a proven proprietary battery management system operating for 3,000 to 4,000 cycles, equating to 8 to 11 years.

The unit is configured for sale to utilities and designed to provide centralized control in a manner complementary to existing or planned demand side management, AMI, and overall Smart Grid initiatives. These units may be installed outdoors with a small footprint, and operate with low maintenance over multiple years.

The summarized benefits include:

+ Flattens the Demand Curve through Peak-Load Shifting

+ Centrally Controlled by the Utility

+ Transparent to the End-User of Electricity and Does Not Require Consumer Behavior Change

+ Helps Reduce GHG Emissions through Enablement of Alternative Energy such as Solar and Wind Generation

+ Can be Installed Outdoors

+ Safe Battery Technology Proven in the Automotive Industry

+ Low Maintenance and Can be Operated for Years

GreenSmith was recognized by utilities and state regulatory commissioners at the recent NARUC annual conference held at The Sheraton Inn New Orleans, November 16th-19th. The company also sponsored the Presidents Reception as well as presented the GreenSmith DESS operating procedures and benefits throughout the exhibition.