MicroPlanet Technology Corp. (MicroPlanet), a US-based smart grid, energy conservation company, has received orders for its new generation of smart grid technology for the commercial business market. The new 3-Phase voltage management systems reduce energy consumption and improve power quality. They will range in size from 225 amps to 2000 amps and are designed to suit the energy saving requirements for both small and large commercial electricity users.
The systems will be available in both 120/208V and 277/480V versions for North America, as well as configurations designed for Europe, Australia and Asia. Prices will range from $12,000 to over $200,000.
MicroPlanet has already received initial orders for these new products from Whole Foods Market, Eat N Park restaurants, Flying J travel plazas and Maui Land and Pine’s Kapalua resort.
This advanced smart grid technology improves power quality at the point of consumption by dynamically raising or lowering voltage to an optimal set point in addition to balancing voltage phases. Stable, balanced voltage maintained at optimal set points, saves energy and lowers maintenance costs.
Whole Foods Market conducted a pilot program over a 12 month period to test the effectiveness of MicroPlanet’s technology at their Symphony store in Boston, Massachusetts. The results of the pilot indicated that the MicroPlanet system reduced kWh consumption on average by 8.86% and will have a payback period of less than three years. MicroPlanet also completed 14 other pilot studies showing savings between 4.0% and 12.9% in kilowatt consumption, which further established the functionality and effectiveness of its products.
During the past nine months, MicroPlanet has reduced the manufacturing cost and enhanced the design and reliability of its 3-Phase commercial systems to efficiently manage energy for convenience stores and fast food restaurants as well as the big box and grocery stores. “This advanced design will substantially reduce the amount of electricity consumed, lowering energy bills and making each commercial location greener,” said Bruce Lisanti, chief executive officer of MicroPlanet. ”With our new products we can efficiently and cost effectively manage voltage for a broad range of commercial clients.”