BIC issues Energy Storage Systems RFQ under Emerging Utility Standards

Partnering with Duke Energy, OUCC, UL, MESA to test systems with developing communications and safety standards

(INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., May 27, 2015) The Battery Innovation Center (BIC) is announcing a Request for Quote (RFQ) for energy storage systems manufacturers seeking to commercialize home and/or community energy storage systems. The BIC is partnering with members of the energy storage industry to conduct testing and validation of these systems according to current and emerging safety and communications standards at a new state of the art microgrid testing lab.

In March of this year, Duke Energy awarded the BIC a $1 million grant to fund the development of a new, world-class microgrid testing and validation lab. The company and the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) are partnering with the BIC to advance energy storage research, particularly as it applies to homes and communities.

Once fully constructed, the BIC seeks to evaluate at least five energy storage systems in the lab. The BIC is partnering with UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and the MESA Standards Alliance (MESA) – two organizations that develop energy storage standards for safety and communications, respectively – to leverage their current and developing standards for the project.

Duke Energy and the OUCC are continuing their partnership with the BIC in this project by using the results to help determine not only the technologies’ readiness for deployment into the market, but also to understand how these standards can benefit the electrical grid and customers. They are interested in studying how battery storage can maximize renewable power sources such as rooftop solar panels and small wind turbines and integrate them into the electric grid.

“We are excited for this aspect of the project because it underscores the ongoing support relationship that the BIC will provide to the energy industry, especially to utilities,” said David Roberts, president of BIC. “Part of the BIC’s mission is to be the trusted, third-party certification resource, and this microgrid laboratory provides the physical assets to accomplish that goal.”

UL and MESA plan to use the project as a method of maximizing the effectiveness of its current standards and fine-tuning those under development to be most valuable to consumers and the industry.

The deadline for RFQ submissions is June 19, 2015. The full RFQ and submission requirements can be viewed at www.bicindiana.com under “News.” Additionally, an information Q&A session for the RFQ will be hosted during Energy Storage Association’s (ESA) Annual Conference & Expo on Friday, May 29 at 8:00 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Dallas (300 Reunion Blvd., Dallas, TX). For additional questions, please contact Richard Newkirk at [email protected] or (812)-863-2424.

 

The Battery Innovation Center (BIC) is a unique public-private partnership and not-for-profit organization that incorporates leadership from world-class universities, commercial enterprises, and government organizations to focus on the rapid development, testing and commercialization of safe, reliable and lighter weight energy storage systems for commercial and defense organizations. Located adjacent to Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, the BIC provides both a virtual collaborative network of capabilities needed for development of next generation energy storage solutions as well as a new, state-of-the-art $15.6 million energy research lab.

 Duke Energy is the largest electric power holding company in the United States with approximately $121 billion in total assets. Its regulated utility operations serve approximately 7.3 million electric customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest. Its commercial power and international energy business segments own and operate diverse power generation assets in North America and Latin America, including a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets in the United States. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) represents Indiana consumer interests before state and federal bodies that regulate utilities. As a state agency, the OUCC’s mission is to represent all Indiana consumers to ensure quality, reliable utility services at the most reasonable prices possible through dedicated advocacy, consumer education, and creative problem solving. Learn more at www.IN.gov/OUCC, www.twitter.com/IndianaOUCC, or www.facebook.com/IndianaOUCC.

The MESA (Modular Energy Storage Architecture) Standards Alliance is an industry group whose mission is to accelerate the growth of the energy storage industry through the development an open, non-proprietary set of specifications and standards for energy storage systems. MESA is advancing a new, component-based approach to energy storage that gives electric utilities more choice, and allows battery, power converter, and software manufacturers to reach more customers and reduce costs. For more information about MESA, the draft MESA-Device/SunSpec Storage standard, or to join MESA and participate in developing standards for the energy storage industry, visit www.MESAStandards.org.

UL is a premier global independent safety science company that has championed progress for more than 120 years. Its nearly 11,000 professionals are guided by the UL mission to promote safe working and living environments for all people. UL uses research and standards to continually advance and meet ever-evolving safety needs. We partner with businesses, manufacturers, trade associations and international regulatory authorities to bring solutions to a more complex global supply chain. For more information about our certification, testing, inspection, advisory and education services, visit http://www.UL.com.

 

Contacts:  Melissa Roberts, Battery Innovation Center and Energy Systems Network

Phone: 317.532.4808 (office)

317.501.4136 (cell)                          Email: [email protected]

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