Electric cooperatives face a daunting task: find and implement high-value solutions that reduce costs while maintaining – or enhancing – the member experience. It is not an easy balancing act, but one Armada Power is addressing with a unique solution that is proving highly effective for the co-ops who have implemented it.  

The Columbus (OH) based company offers a proprietary load shifting system for water heaters which effectively tracks and manages temperatures during demand-response (DR) events. This is accomplished via purpose-built technology, Armada Power’s Grid Optimizer, which attaches directly to the water heater providing continuous temperature and power data to a software platform called FleetCommander. The “fleet” of managed water heaters is then directed by FleetCommander according to the co-op’s DR and grid management needs. The key to balancing member satisfaction and grid performance is the unique approach that Armada Power takes to managing the water heater before and after a DR event. This one-of-a-kind system reduces energy and equipment costs for the co-op with accurate measurement and verification, high performance, security, and minimal maintenance.

More Effective Load Shifting and TOU

Armada Power’s next-generation load-shifting system enables co-ops to effectively manage their power loads internally. When peak events do occur, the co-op is able to ensure that water heaters in its fleet are shutting off and mitigating the impact of the peak, while preventing a rebound peak after the event.  The inherent energy-storage capabilities of water heaters are harnessed in a non-invasive, reliable resource for the co-op.

Of course, these advantages would be greatly minimized if the user experience was negatively impacted.  The Armada Power system makes sure this is not the case. The Grid Optimizers on each member’s water heater work to ensure members do not notice any change in water temperature. FleetCommander automatically manages the water heaters before an event to make certain the water temperature is at the peak of its mechanical thermostat. Following the event, FleetCommander ensures the load rebound does not create an additional peak. 

In contrast to legacy devices which operate via a one-way signal, the Armada Power system enables two-way communication to determine when – and to what degree – to adjust fleet temperatures.  Energy is shifted to different times of day, as needed, though the overall energy used by each member remains constant.

This is effective because water in the water heaters is warmer at the top than at the bottom. Load shifting affects the temperature at the bottom of the tank, while water temperature at the top shows minimal degradation. As water is pulled from the top of the tank during usage, members are unaware of any load shifting. To the member, therefore, the process is seamless and goes unnoticed; the user experience does not suffer.  

To illustrate, consider the following data displayed in Chart #1. The red lines show the minimum, maximum, and average temperatures at the top of an uncontrolled water heater tank over a period of two weeks. The blue lines represent the minimum, maximum, and average temperature at the bottom of the tank over the same period. Note that the red line remains relatively flat, while the blue lines fluctuate due to normal usage. Further, the grey bars show the average energy consumed in each hour during the period. Energy use typically coincides with a bottom temperature dip as the tank starts heating when water is drawn.

Now, consider a tank running an on-peak schedule to avoid use during high-priced hours. In this example, 6am – 9am is an on-peak period. Energy use is shifted to the off-peak period. Notice that energy use and bottom temperature are driven up prior to the start of the on-peak period to provide more stored energy in the tank for the member. Throughout the on-peak period, the temperature at the top of the tank shows little reduction despite a three-hour load shift. The member would not have felt any loss in hot water delivery during the course of these two weeks while avoiding the peak hours every day.

Benefits

For any co-op looking to minimize costs through load shifting, Armada Power offers a next generation system that effectively exceeds expectations. This new technology also offers an additional financial benefit – savings for each member, particularly those under TOU rates, by effectively managing power appropriately, seamlessly, and reliably.

In addition, Armada Power’s product also provides ways to enhance user-experience. For example, diagnostic information can be sent directly from members’ devices to the co-op, allowing problems like burned out heating elements, failed thermostats, and water leaks to be recognized and resolved before the customer is even aware there is an issue. This proactive approach forms touchpoints that further cement relationships and build loyalty over time.

Another stackable feature is realized by strategically deploying a high concentration of the system on a specific circuit. A power provider can then control load over peak times to delay or eliminate the need to upgrade a circuit. This feature enables power providers to further reduce costs and pass those savings on to its members.

Whether a co-op’s goals are load shifting, managing costs, enhancing user experience, or making the effective use of TOU rates, Armada Power’s Grid Optimizer and FleetCommander system can easily meet those expectations