Johnson Controls' Distributed Energy Storage System has been adopted by Clemson University in Clemson, SC. The system is helping to operate the university’s graduate engineering building more efficiently by integrating next-generation energy storage with the building management systems and at the same time providing students and faculty the opportunity to collaborate on measuring the energy savings.

The Zucker Family Graduate Education Center can draw power as needed from Johnson Controls L2000 Distributed Energy Storage System to reduce expense during times of peak cost. The system includes batteries and inverter in a single, compact package able to deliver 160kWh capacity and 50 kW power. According to Johnson Controls officials, combining the storage and inverter into a turnkey energy storage system provides a cost-effective package.

The energy storage system integrates into the existing Metasys® BAS and automates battery use based on a patented predictive control software. By integrating the battery with the BAS, the large energy consuming loads in the building are controlled alongside the energy storage system to provide an integrated approach to building energy use.

Johnson Controls points to forecasts by analysts that project the growing demand for energy storage is a market that could reach nearly $18 billion a year by 2022.

"Our Distributed Energy Storage system is a natural extension of our core businesses in the buildings and battery markets and partnering with Clemson University allows us to help deliver the kind of smart and integrated energy management that will keep students and faculty comfortable while driving down utility costs," said John Schaaf, vice president of distributed energy storage, Johnson Controls.

In addition to providing economic value, the system will provide real-world, hands-on experience for Clemson graduate engineering students and faculty to measure and track data related to the energy savings provided by the Johnson Controls Distributed Energy System.

"Clemson University looks forward to the next phase in energy storage research and testing with faculty and students by partnering with Johnson Controls which understands the importance of student engagement as a key success factor for a ready workforce," said Johan Enslin, Ph.D., Duke Energy Endowed Chair, Smart Grid Technology and executive director of Energy Systems Program-Charleston. "The need for advance energy services, resilient grid infrastructure, cyber physical security concerns, and the increasing cost of energy are driving innovation in energy storage technology."