Johnson Controls is expanding the use of its battery technology in the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. The mart has used Johnson Control’s Integrated Demand Resource Group for demand response programs for many years, according to the vendor.
The expanded platform will provide the storage capabilities enabling the Mart to participate in advanced fast response programs that adjust demand to changing conditions on the electric grid. Such active load Management strategies, when coupled with the distributed energy management system, can reduce a facility’s annual expenditure for electricity by as much as 35 percent. The Merchandise Mart covers 4.2 million square feet and hosts almost 25,000 people per day. It is the world’s largest LEED EB certified building.
On October 1, Johnson Control-Hitachi Air Conditioning launched. The joint venture will employ 14,000 people and operate in 24 locations. It will be active in Asia, Europe and Latin America.