Compressed air systems, like water and steam lines, have been around a long time. And like other parts of an aging infrastructure, there are many ways to gain efficiencies today by turning to new technology and improved designs. There is a lot of energy to be saved by making some basic changes—the key is to [...]

The Obama Administration has outlined ambitious plans to diversify the nation’s energy supply— particularly, through promoting the rapid development of both centralized and distributed renewable generation. The “Blueprint for a Secure Energy Future” proposes the establishment of a Clean Energy Standard. It notes that 80 percent of the nation’s electricity will be generated by a [...]

CapEx deferral is plausible for energy storage devices applied to T&D power transformer upgrades for subtransmission and distribution substations. Yet, another substation application tells a different story.

In the quest to develop viable solutions for energy storage, community energy storage combined with smart grid presents the greatest potential for integrating renewable energy resources, distributed generation, and demand response. Compared to larger batteries located in substations, community energy storage devices offer several advantages and can potentially overcome the top three barriers to storage [...]

There is now an influx of variables weighing on the grid, as deployment of renewable energy technologies escalate, renewable portfolio standards grow, and electric vehicle demand increases. Today the electric system still operates in just-in-time delivery mode. Energy storage is a key component to reinvent our electric system infrastructure.