Ice Energy Partners with Carrier Corp. to Deliver a Hybrid Cooling-Energy Storage Solution for Commercial Customers

WINDSOR, Colo., Jan. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ice Energy, a leading provider of smart grid-enabled, distributed energy storage solutions to the electric utility industry, today announced a strategic partnership with Carrier Corp., the world's leader in high technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions, to develop and deliver an integrated hybrid cooling and energy storage solution for commercial customers.

This unique hybrid cooling solution, which pairs Carrier commercial packaged HVAC systems with Ice Energy's distributed thermal energy storage technology on small to mid-sized commercial buildings, enables a powerful change in how – and more importantly when – energy is consumed for air conditioning, significantly reducing a building's daytime energy demand.

Under terms of the agreement, select Carrier WeatherMaker® and WeatherMaster® rooftop models, ranging from 4-20 tons, will be shipped "Ice-Ready" from the Carrier factory for seamless integration and optimal performance with Ice Energy's Ice Bear energy storage systems. In addition, Carrier Corp. will work as a preferred provider with Ice Energy to offer new, high-efficiency air conditioning units to Ice Energy customers seeking to replace or upgrade their existing systems in conjunction with an energy storage installation.

The Ice Bear system stores energy at night by freezing water in an insulated storage tank. During the day it works seamlessly with the Ice-Ready™ Carrier air conditioning units to dispatch the stored energy by circulating chilled refrigerant from the tank to the Carrier units, dramatically reducing the amount of electricity required on peak. During off-peak hours, the Carrier system operates as usual.  Daytime energy demand from air conditioning – typically 40-50% of an average commercial building's electricity use during peak hours – can be reduced by as much as 95%.

"By leveraging the benefits of more cost-effective nighttime power generation, storing energy directly at the point of consumption on individual buildings, and delivering it when it is needed most, this innovative hybrid solution from Ice Energy paired with Carrier rooftop units makes it possible to use off-peak power to meet daytime air conditioning demand. It's a win from every perspective," said Greg Alcorn, Carrier vice president of sales and marketing. "For businesses and building owners, this means reduced daytime energy consumption and lower energy costs without sacrificing consumer comfort. We're pleased to partner with Ice Energy to help bring this innovative solution to market."

"Carrier is a recognized leader in the HVAC industry, with unprecedented reach and reputation throughout the U.S. and internationally.  We are pleased they have not only chosen to partner with Ice Energy to create a joint solution, but have also implemented changes in their manufacturing process to enable seamless integration with our products and controls directly from their factory," said Brian Parsonnet, chief technology officer for Ice Energy. "Carrier's industry-leading capabilities are an integral part of our ability to deliver to utilities a scalable, reliable and cost-effective solution for addressing the problem of peak demand. Working together we can help our utility customers and Carrier's commercial customers to contribute to the development of a cleaner, more efficient, and more reliable power grid."

When aggregated and deployed at scale, Ice Energy's Ice Bear energy storage system represents a sustainable new energy solution equivalent to thousands of megawatts of clean peak power for utilities, enabling them to deliver reliable, affordable electric service to their customers.

Last year, the Southern California Public Power Authority announced plans to undertake a 53-megawatt (MW) energy storage project utilizing Ice Energy technology. The project represents the potential to deploy integrated Ice Bear and Carrier systems at thousands of locations throughout southern California.

ABOUT ICE ENERGY

Ice Energy is the leading provider of smart grid-enabled, distributed energy storage to the electric utility industry. The company delivers cost-effective solutions at grid-scale to reduce peak demand, improve energy system efficiency and reliability, and transform the way the utility system operates. For more information, visit www.ice-energy.com or follow us on follow us on Twitter @IceENRG. http://twitter.com/IceENRG.

ABOUT CARRIER CORP.

Carrier Corp. is the world's leader in high technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions. Carrier experts provide sustainable solutions, integrating energy-efficient products, building controls, and energy services for residential, commercial, retail, transport and foodservice customers. Founded by the inventor of modern air conditioning, Carrier improves the world around us through engineered innovation and environmental stewardship. Carrier is unit of United Technologies Corp., a leading provider to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide. Visit www.carrier.com for more information.

SOURCE Ice Energy