Energy storage system selected for installation

3rd August 2018

Alex Lynn

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It has been announced that Sharp Electronics Corporation’s Energy Systems and Services Group’s (Sharp ESSG) behind the meter SmartStorage energy storage solution was selected to be installed at ILM Tool’s 25,000ft2 machine shop to help offset its growing peak demand usage.

ILM Tool handles quick turnaround prototype and production run orders for sheet metal manufacturing, plastic milling and machining, as well as thermoforming for a wide range of industries. Synergy Power, a Bay Area solar PV installer, installed the 30kW/40kWh SmartStorage system and integrated it with a 113.4kW solar PV system.

ILM Tool CEO Joe Ilmberger, stated: “We produce a number of prototypes for a variety of clients, so energy usage is always part of our bottom line. We were looking for the ideal solar and storage solution to meet our energy needs, especially during peak production times. The Sharp SmartStorage solution coupled with solar was, as we say around the shop, a perfect fit.”

Carl Mansfield, General Manager of Sharp’s U.S.-based Energy Systems and Services Group, added: “A solar plus SmartStorage energy storage system is particularly well suited for ILM Tool, which uses a lot of heavy machinery that can spike demand usage. It is also located in the Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) territory, a utility market known for its high demand charges.”

Sharp’s SmartStorage system uses sophisticated, predictive analytics and controls to manage the release of stored electricity from its batteries at the times of highest demand (which have the most expensive utility rates). As ILM Tool’s demand starts to increase, which can be triggered from the use of heavy industrial machinery, a rapid power discharge is triggered to mitigate spikes in demand usage, thus reducing the amount of utility charges. Estimates show that ILM Tool’s SmartStorage system is expected to decrease the facility’s demand by approximately 240kW annually.

The SmartStorage system is also backed by Sharp’s optional ten year Asset Management Service Agreement, which provides routine and unscheduled maintenance, coupled with a ten year demand reduction performance guarantee. If guaranteed demand reductions are not met within the terms of the agreement, Sharp will compensate for the deficit in promised peak demand reductions.