Valence Technology Supplying Batteries for Solar Powered Smart Grid Project

Valence Technology has been selected as the preferred residential/community battery technology provider for the “Smart Grid Community of the Future,” the first smart grid solar powered residential development in Texas, the Houston-area master planned community of Discovery at Spring Trails.

Valence Technology will supply dynamic energy systems for the individual smart grid residences containing electric vehicle charging stations and smart appliances. Valence Technology’s energy solutions will be used to support a smart-energy practice known as “peak shaving,” whereby smart appliances like dishwashers and washing machines are efficiently utilized during peak demand hours.

This smart grid project will demonstrate how community battery systems can enhance grid stability and decrease overall electricity costs by practicing “peak shaving.” Homeowners can avoid higher peak power costs during evening hours when multiple appliances are typically running after Valence Technology dynamic energy systems kick-in to power the smart appliances.

As part of the regional demonstration project entitled “Technology Solutions for Wind Integration in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT),” the “Smart Grid Community of the Future” will serve as a test model for the development of future distributed energy-generation communities utilizing clean technologies. The project includes improved technologies to monitor the ERCOT electric grid and expanded smart portal capability to support demand response in the new development, Discovery at Spring Trails. With $13.5 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, the $27.4 million project is scheduled to break ground this year.

The team for this “Smart Grid” project includes CCET, Valence Technology, Southwest Research Institute, Electric Power Group, EcoEdge, CenterPoint Energy, Oncor, American Electric Power, Sharyland Utilities, Land Tejas Developers, Montgomery County Municipal Utility District 119, Xtreme Power/Energy Xtreme, General Electric, GridPoint, Direct Energy, Drummond Group and Frontier Associates.

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