IndFlex

Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.

Recipient

Palo Alto, CA

Recipient Location

13th

Senate District

23rd

Assembly District

closed

Completed

Project Status

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Project Result

The purpose of this agreement is to fund the demonstration and deployment of advanced, integrated load flexible technologies (IndFlex) in an industrial cold storage facility. This demonstration will result in increased demand flexibility to facilitate the implementation of various load flexibility programs, ranging from dynamic pricing to incentive-driven load flexibility efforts, ultimately resulting in increased grid resiliency and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction.

The project has progressed through its initial phases, with significant strides made in planning and alignment with the facility's management and operations teams. A detailed facility review was conducted to identify optimal locations and configurations for the deployment of load flexibility technologies. Currently, efforts are focused on installing measurement and verification (M&V) systems to establish accurate baseline data for energy use and emissions. Simultaneously, the design, procurement, and integration of IndFlex system components—including refrigeration control, thermal storage, water heater controls,and forklift charging technologies—are underway. These activities aim to ensure a smooth installation phase and successful demonstration of the system's capabilities.

The Issue

Industrial cold storage facilities operate 24/7, requiring substantial energy to sustain operations and significantly contributing to peak grid demand during periods of high system stress. The absence of an integrated load flexibility solution hinders these facilities from effectively participating in demand response (DR) programs, primarily due to stringent safety standards of refrigerated products and operational complexities.

Project Innovation

This project introduces the IndFlex system, an advanced load flexibility solution that integrates the control of refrigeration systems, thermal storage, floor heating, and forklift charging to optimize load management and peak load reduction. The incorporation of phase change materials enhances the facility’s thermal storage capacity, enabling extended load shifting durations without compromising product integrity or operational performance. With intelligent load management and the ability to receive signals, the system improves grid reliability, optimizes energy use, and contributes to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions without compromising product safety or operational efficiency.

Project Benefits

The IndFlex system will enhance demand flexibility in industrial cold storage facilities by integrating intelligent controls within the refrigeration system, thermal storage, floor heating, and forklift charging. This technology enables load flexibility, reducing peak energy demand and improving system energy efficiency. By enabling the ability for the system to receive grid signals the project will facilitate enhanced load flexibility program participation, increasing grid reliability and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Planned outcomes include at least a 20% reduction in GHG emissions, over 25% peak load reduction as well as operational cost savings. These benefits align with California's emission reduction and grid resiliency goals.