Case Study Airdrie
Peak Shaving Solution for a Fabrication Facility in Southern Airdrie, Alberta
OVERVIEW
A mid-sized fabrication facility in southern Airdrie, Alberta, whose name is kept confidential, faced rising electricity costs due to high peak demand charges. The facility, which operates CNC machines, sandblasting equipment, hydraulic presses, and other heavy-duty industrial machinery, was incurring an average monthly electricity bill of ~$12,000 CAD. The facility required a strategic solution to reduce demand charges while maintaining operational efficiency.
SOLUTION IMPLEMENTATION
Arctium Energy Corp. deployed a 211 kWh, 100 kW Battery Energy
Storage System (BESS) to help mitigate peak demand charges.
The system was fully integrated with the facility’s major energyconsuming equipment through an Energy Management System
(EMS).
To ensure precise monitoring and optimization, we, together with
our EMS partner provided and installed:
- Current Transformers (CTs) clamped onto wires feeding the machines
- Gateways for real-time data collection and remote access
- Pulse Counters to track energy consumption patterns
This setup allowed the production manager to analyze energy behaviour and make data-driven adjustments to optimize energy usage
Scalability & Future-Proofing
The modular nature of the system allows for easy expansion as the facility grows, ensuring that additional energy storage capacity can be added if needed.
Seamless Integration with Future EV Chargers:
With electric vehicle (EV) adoption increasing, the facility now has the capability to integrate EV chargers without exceeding its grid capacity.
Supports Additional Machinery Expansion:
The general manager has outlined plans to expand the facility’s
machinery lineup. With the BESS in place, new equipment can be added without concerns about overloading the grid or increasing peak demand charges.
Enhanced Operational Resilience:
The BESS provides backup power capabilities, ensuring critical operations continue in the event of a temporary power outage.
INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES COST
Panel Upgrades: Estimated at $25,000 – $45,000 CAD
Distribution Line Reinforcements: Estimated at $15,000 – $25,000 CAD
Transformer Upgrades: Estimated at $55,000 – $65,000 CAD
Other Electrical Work & Permitting: Estimated at $20,000 – $25,000 CAD
Labour & Engineering Costs:
Detailed engineering studies and: $30,000 – $55,000 CAD
Project management and inspection: $15,000 – $20,000 CAD
Electrical contractor labour (grid infrastructure upgrade): $35,000 CAD
Total estimated cost for infrastructure upgrades: $195,000 – $270,000 CAD
The BESS costed $128,050, and and it helps the facility to save an additional $2000 per month through peak shaving and demand management. The installation process for future upgrades is as simple as implementing an additional subpanel and disconnects. This solution not only saved the facility up to $100,000 CAD in upfront costs but also provided greater flexibility for future expansion and reduced demand charges, delivering ongoing cost savings.
Results
With the integration of the BESS and EMS, the the production manager was able to
dynamically adjust set points, optimize energy usage in real time. As a result, the facility achieved: A monthly utility bill reduction of$2,000 CAD Projected annual savings of$24,000 CAD The projected annual savings are based on the system’s performance from July2024, as the project is still in its early stages. However, initial results indicate that the system will provide consistent cost reductions and additional flexibility as the facility scales up operations
Conclusion
This case study demonstrates the power of an integrated energy storage and management solution in an industrial setting. With a customized approach tailored to its operational demands, the facility not only cut costs but also gained greater control over its energy consumption. Arctium Energy Corp. continues to empower industrial clients with cost-effective, scalable, and efficient energy solutions, ensuring long-term savings and operational resilience. The successful implementation of this BESS solution positions the facility for future expansion, EV infrastructure integration, and increased energy independence.
