The project, which is a part of California’s ‘Permanent Load Shift’ program, will be managed by Southern California Edison for the science center.
A 500kW peak load shifting unit is to be installed at the center in Southern California by GE as part of efforts to reduce peak demand on the grid. During the power outages, the system also will provide backup power to the center.
Discovery Science Center vice president of operations Kellee Preston said that the center is eager to demonstrate technologies that can reduce its energy cost while adding to the reliability of the electric grid.
"We’ll be able to use the system to increase outreach on energy issues and better explain the benefits that storage can bring to the electric grid system," Preston added.
The GE storage and Princeton Power Systems inverter control system is expected to shift 10-20% of daily electrical load to off-peak time periods.
GE Energy Storage general manager Prescott Logan said that unlike traditional, thermal-based energy storage technologies, battery-based energy storage systems can be used by a much wider range of customers.
"This type of project will demonstrate that battery-based load-shifting technology can enable customers to meet demand responses, as well as permanently shift a significant percentage of daily electrical loads to non-critical hours," Logan added.
