Energy in Action!

A microgrid is a small scale electricity grid that can operate independently from the main power grid. It is typically used to provide power to a small community or a single building, and it can incorporate a variety of different energy sources, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and fossil fuel generators.  It can utilize battery storage to add to the Microgrid’s resiliency. There are several different types of microgrids each with its own unique characteristics and applications.One type of microgrid is the stand alone microgrid which is not connected to the main power grid. These systems are often used...

A virtual power plant, also known as a VPP, a system that uses a network of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems to generate and manage electricity. Unlike a traditional power plant that relies on a central source of generation, a VPP is decentralized and can be located at multiple sites across a grid. One of the key benefits of a VPP is its ability to provide flexibility and reliability to the power grid. Because the generation and storage of electricity is distributed across multiple sites, a VPP can quickly adjust to...

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems are critical components of modern commercial buildings. They are responsible for maintaining the indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality to provide a comfortable and healthy environment for occupants. However, poorly maintained or unbalanced HVAC systems can cause numerous problems, such as occupant discomfort, pathogen transmission, and energy waste. This is why testing and balancing HVAC systems (TAB) is essential to ensure that they operate optimally and deliver maximum benefits. In this article, we will explore the benefits of testing and balancing HVAC systems for commercial buildings. Occupancy ComfortOne of the most significant benefits...

A building's digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical building that can be used to simulate and analyze the building's performance in various scenarios. Digital twins use data from sensors, building management systems, and other sources to accurately represent the building's characteristics, such as its layout, systems, and materials. Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to help manage a building's digital twin by analyzing the data from the digital twin and identifying opportunities to increase energy efficiency, optimize systems performance, and improve building occupancy comfort. For example, AI algorithms can be used to analyze the data from a...