Rocky Mountain Institute

Challenge:

A non-profit consulting for a municipality was looking into modeling a proposed new development in their town.

The development was a mixed-use residential and commercial building, with a large electrical load. However, given the municipality’s existing distribution network, they were interested in a facility that could be independent (import 0kW of electricity from the Utility) during their peak hours (4-9pm).

They were willing to consider a variety of carbon-free energy sources (solar, battery, micro wind, hydrogen fuel cell, etc) in order to make sure the facility was net-zero or absolute zero emissions.

Solution:

The non-profit modeled the new facility in Xendee, and created the blended commercial and residential load with Xendee’s Load Builder tool.

They could then specify during which hours the facility was allowed to import electricity from the Utility, and at the specific rates of the local tariff. Running a minimum cost optimization, Xendee could specify what the optimal solution would be, and the full dispatch including no imports during the peak hours. 

Results:

Xendee indicated the necessary battery size needed to support the building’s load throughout the peak period, and how rooftop solar can reduce the building’s utility costs.

Understanding the impact of potential new policies and requirements on new builds in their community was very helpful to the municipality in trying to determine the best ways to decarbonize, while minimizing the costs - either in terms of energy and/or infrastructure upgrades - for their residents and customers.