Energy Solution
The science and innovation behind the Cryo-EM microscopes are only part of the equation of success HWI is implementing. Realizing the full potential of the technology’s capabilities requires a consistent and reliable supply of quality energy and HWI’s current electrical infrastructure will not support the addition of the Cryo-EM center without a significant and costly upgrade. To achieve its vision, HWI partnered on a cost-effective, green-energy model that will support the Institute’s current energy demands, the addition of the microscopes, and afford room for expansion. Simply put, HWI will store operating power in batteries during off-peak research hours, and then draw that power out when researchers need it.
HWI, Stark Technology (Tonawanda, NY), Viridi Parente (Buffalo, NY), and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus will pilot a lithium storage device onsite that will not only shave peak demand but provide a greener alternative to backup power from its current diesel generator.
The collaborators involved in this creative energy solution are all based in Western New York and are working as a team to develop a replicable model that not only meets our needs but sets a baseline for best practices across the industry. National Grid and NYSERDA have also been helpful partners in bringing this pilot project to fruition.
The Lithium-ion battery is a proprietary technology developed by Viridi Parente to ensure that HWI maintains access to its needed power supply while balancing the associated economic demands of providing that power.
Viridi Parente is using this project as a success model to demonstrate for others on the BNMC, and statewide, how this technology can be effective in a research setting. The storage device will be integrated with HWI’s building automation system controlled by Stark Technology. The optimization platform will leverage the storage device to generate savings from peak demand management while incorporating its flexibility in a broader strategy to participate in demand response and other revenue-generating market activity.
HWI CAN MAXIMIZE ECONOMIC VALUE THROUGH EFFICIENT USE OF DISTRIBUTED RESOURCES SUCH AS STORAGE, UPGRADED HVAC SYSTEMS AND CONTROLS ALONG
WITH BUILDING AUTOMATION, WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY ACHIEVING SUSTAINABIL IT Y OBJECTIVES.
The storage device will be integrated with HWI’s building automation system.
“THE PARTNERS INVOLVED IN THIS PROJECT HAVE TAILORED A SOLUTION FOR HWI, BUT THE IMPACT GOES FAR BEYOND THE CRYO-EM CENTER,” SAID JON M. WILLIAMS, CEO OF VIRIDI PARENTE. “THE BATTERY SYSTEM IS A DEMONSTRATION OF SMART, BALANCED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THAT REDUCES OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT WHILE GROWING OUR ECONOMY FOR THE INDUSTRIES OF TOMORROW.”
“This project positions our region as a leader in innovation, not only from a medical research perspective, but also from a renewable-energy standpoint,” added Dr. Liesl Folks, former Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University at Buffalo.
“In parallel with the scientists and researchers at HWI using the microscopes to advance their work, UB engineering students and faculty will use the battery storage system to study the practical applications of renewable energy in the innovation economy.”
With the integration of the battery and more- energy-efficient building controls,
HWI will be a showpiece for this energy approach. The Institute will also be a model
for others in the energy community as a predictable user of our community’s electrical infrastructure.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
HWI is weaving together a tapestry of philanthropic, grant, and institutional funding to support this project. Please contact Lisa LaTrovato at llatrovato@hwi.buffalo.edu or at 716.898.8624 to see how you can become part of this tremendous advancement for our region.