Condominium Case Study

Condominium, Toronto, Canada

Problem

Condominium’s are notorious for using large amounts of power. The grid purchasing costs consist of energy charging and demand charging. The energy rate varies with the time period like On-peak and Off-peak, which is a set fee paid monthly or seasonally. Most customers pay for the energy they use (measured in kWh). Larger users of electricity are also charged for demand (measured as kW).

Solution

In this commercial building case study, inclusion of a battery energy storage system allows more contribution from solar PV into the mix, taking the commercial building practically half-off the grid. BESS integration also allows for demand response activities for the building like peak shaving, energy arbitrage amongst others.

Cost Saving Benefits

The capital cost of system considered here is $600/kWh. The maximum demand shaving of the BESS during the peak period of 19~20 is around 80kW. With an annual energy cost of $9698, and an annual demand charge is $40,706, the payback period would be just over 5 years.

About The System

The system comprises of a 100 kW/150 kWh BESS for the grid. This setup will be able to support power demands of residents during peak periods using the energy stored. Since the BESS is charged during off-peak period with the grid, significant amount of bill savings can be made in this condominium as well as other buildings.