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Energy storage systems are a boon for generators, especially renewable energy generators, as they can regulate their energy supply while maintaining grid discipline. But energy storage systems can be of great advantage to large consumers such as industrial units and commercial buildings to keep their power bills in control.

Sharp has launched an energy storage system aimed at large individual consumers that could “dramatically cut utility demand charges.” The SmartStorage energy solution stores a large amount of electricity stored in reserve (lithium ion batteries) and releases it selectively according to the changing demand supply of a building.

The system reviews the historical demand profile of the building and uses sophisticated predictive tools to estimate the demand for electricity throughout the day. The system then releases the stored electricity during high-demand periods, thus reducing electricity costs for the building significantly.

Such a system can be very effective for commercial institutions and buildings where activity peaks during the middle of day.

The system is currently available in California but is expected to be launched across the US later this year. The system can also work seamlessly with a solar power system or as a standalone solution. Each case can result in lower demand charges for building owners, which is especially important with rising energy rates, the company feels.

Smart energy storage solutions like the one launched by Sharp Electronics Corp can revolutionise demand-side energy management. Such systems can help businesses better plan their operations while keeping the energy costs low. The system can also find great application in markets with significant demand-supply gaps. Markets where demand exceeds supply see businesses forced to pay high tariffs during peak demand periods of a day.