Enhancing Energy Efficiency for a 300-Apartment Condominium with Altair Energy Partners
Case Study: Enhancing Energy Efficiency for a 300-Apartment Condominium with Altair Energy Partners Overview Altair Energy Partners was engaged by a 300-apartment condominium to optimize its power and heat generation systems. The existing energy infrastructure included a gas cogeneration (cogen) unit, a gas boiler, a large capacity thermal buffer, and rooftop solar PV. The objective…
Case Study: Enhancing Energy Efficiency for a 300-Apartment Condominium with Altair Energy Partners
Overview
Altair Energy Partners was engaged by a 300-apartment condominium to optimize its power and heat generation systems. The existing energy infrastructure included a gas cogeneration (cogen) unit, a gas boiler, a large capacity thermal buffer, and rooftop solar PV. The objective was to enhance efficiency, reduce energy costs, and increase sustainability by integrating a battery storage system.
Challenges
1. Energy Wastage: The gas cogen unit and gas burner sometimes produced excess heat and electricity that could not be stored efficiently, leading to losses.
2. Solar Variability: The solar PV system generated power inconsistently, causing fluctuations in supply.
3. Grid Dependency: The condominium still relied on grid electricity during peak demand periods.
4. Cost Efficiency: High operational costs due to peak-time grid electricity use and fuel expenses for the gas systems.
5. Carbon Footprint: Although more sustainable than conventional setups, the system still emitted significant CO2 from gas combustion.
Solution: Battery Array Integration
Altair Energy Partners designed and implemented a battery storage solution to complement the existing energy systems. The key elements of the solution included:
1. Battery Array Installation – A strategically sized lithium-ion battery array was installed to store excess electricity from the gas cogen unit and solar PV.
2. Energy Management System (EMS) – A smart EMS was deployed to optimize the use of stored electricity, prioritize renewable sources, and reduce reliance on the grid.
3. Management of the Battery Based on Power Costs– The battery system discharged stored energy during peak demand, reducing grid consumption and lowering electricity costs.
4. Heat Recovery Optimization – The cogen unit’s excess heat was used more effectively by synchronizing with battery operation, reducing the need for the gas burner.
5. Backup Power Capability – The battery array provided resilience against grid outages, ensuring uninterrupted power supply to essential building systems.
Results & Benefits
– Improved Efficiency: The integration of battery storage minimized energy waste by capturing surplus power for later use.
– Cost Savings: The condominium reduced peak-time grid electricity consumption by 30%, lowering overall energy bills.
– Reduced Carbon Emissions: Optimizing gas cogen usage and increasing solar self-consumption led to a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions.
– Enhanced Energy Independence: The reliance on the grid was significantly reduced, making the building more self-sufficient.
– Increased System Lifespan: The intelligent EMS balanced load distribution, extending the operational life of the gas cogen unit and other assets.
Conclusion
The integration of a battery storage system by Altair Energy Partners transformed the condominium’s energy strategy, making it more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable. This case demonstrates how modern energy storage solutions can enhance existing hybrid energy systems, benefiting both building owners and residents while contributing to broader environmental goals.