Navigating the complexities of commercial property management in Northern California means finding solutions that are not only efficient but also reliable. When it comes to cooling, traditional HVAC systems can lead to high peak-demand charges and increased energy bills, especially during the warmer months.
This is where thermal energy storage technology, like our Ice Bear systems, comes in. These systems work alongside your existing HVAC to store energy as ice during off-peak hours and then use that stored ice for cooling when electricity is most expensive. This simple, smart, and efficient approach offers a significant advantage for a variety of businesses and facilities.
If you’re a facility manager, property developer, or energy consultant, understanding which types of buildings benefit most from this technology is the first step toward lowering operating costs and enhancing your energy profile.
Ready to find out if Ice Energy is right for your property? Contact our team today at (949) 334-2243 or through our online contact form to get started.
What Is a Thermal Energy Storage System?
Before we explore the properties that benefit most, it's helpful to understand how a thermal energy storage system works. An Ice Bear unit is a smart-grid-ready system that reduces peak cooling electricity by up to 95% for as many as eight hours a day.
Instead of running your compressor during the most expensive part of the day, the system makes ice at night when electricity rates are lower. Then, during the peak-demand hours, the unit uses that stored ice to cool your building. This process shifts your cooling load to off-peak hours, which can lead to significant savings on your utility bills and demand charges.
It works seamlessly with your existing commercial AC units and can be installed on rooftops or the ground, depending on what works best for your facility.
Top 5 Property Types for the Ice Bear System
Our thermal energy storage solutions are designed for mid-to-large-sized facilities with HVAC units ranging from 4 to 20 tons. Whether you’re a facility manager, property developer, or energy consultant, the Ice Bear offers a scalable solution that enhances efficiency and sustainability. Businesses that use a lot of energy for cooling are ideal candidates for our systems.
Supermarkets & Grocery Stores
These facilities require consistent, reliable cooling to maintain a comfortable environment for shoppers and employees while also preserving perishable goods. The Ice Bear's ability to reduce peak demand charges is particularly beneficial for these businesses, which have a continuous need for refrigeration and cooling. By shifting a significant portion of the cooling load, they can manage their energy profile more efficiently and see a clear reduction in operating costs.
Retail Chains & Big-Box Stores
Retail properties, especially large ones, have substantial cooling demands to keep customers comfortable. Peak cooling hours often coincide with peak shopping hours, making them prime targets for high electricity costs. The Ice Bear 40 is an excellent fit for these businesses, as it can accommodate multiple HVAC configurations and sizes. This allows them to maintain a consistent climate without the high costs associated with traditional AC use during peak times.
Warehouses & Light Industrial Properties
Keeping a warehouse cool can be a costly challenge. These facilities often operate with large, multi-ton HVAC units, making them susceptible to high peak demand charges. The Ice Bear system is designed to integrate with existing rooftop or ground-level commercial AC units, offering a flexible placement option that fits the unique layout of industrial spaces. This powerful system allows for a permanent shift of peak loads, creating significant savings on time-of-use (TOU) rates.
Offices & Office Parks
Providing a comfortable working environment for employees is essential for productivity and morale. Offices often have high cooling needs during the hottest parts of the day when electricity rates are at their highest. The Ice Bear system can be tailored to the specific needs of an office building, offering a smarter way to cool that delivers a reliable performance even during high-demand seasons. Our clients have experienced a peak load reduction of up to 95%.
Educational & Institutional Facilities
Schools, universities, and other large institutional buildings have a duty to manage their budgets effectively while providing a functional and comfortable space. The Ice Bear system offers these facilities a way to reduce demand charges and participate in smart grid programs. It gives them real-time understanding of their energy load and control, which helps them better manage their operational costs.
These properties represent just a few examples of businesses that can gain more than just energy savings with thermal energy storage. They also gain a smarter way to cool that supports grid reliability and a cleaner energy future.
The Ice Bear Advantage
The Ice Bear system is a powerful, scalable solution specifically designed for commercial and light industrial applications. It can work with various HVAC setups, accommodating sizes up to 20 tons. Permanently shifting peak loads helps businesses experience up to a 95% peak load reduction, which translates into savings on TOU rates and reduced demand charges. The system also includes smart-grid controls and mobile connectivity to provide a real-time understanding of load capability and control.
If you manage a commercial property in Northern California, we can help you determine the most efficient Ice Bear solution tailored to your needs. You can learn more about our solutions by visiting our dedicated commercial page.
Find Your Smart Cooling Solution
Choosing the right cooling solution for your business is a strategic decision that impacts your operational budget and your environmental footprint. The Ice Bear system offers a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective way to manage your cooling needs and significantly reduce your peak energy demand. Our systems can provide you with a smarter way to cool your building, giving you peace of mind even during high-demand seasons.
Whether you're a facility manager, property developer, or energy consultant, our team is here to help you find the most efficient solution for your commercial needs. To learn more about how thermal energy storage can work for your business, we encourage you to reach out to our team.
You can call us directly at (949) 334-2243 or fill out our online contact form to get started. Our experts will help you find a solution that's right for your property.