Rising temperatures are putting a strain on power grids across the United States. According to Climate Central, heat waves have caused nearly half of all weather-related power outages between 2000 and 2023. To combat this issue, some buildings are turning to innovative solutions, like ice batteries.
CBS News recently visited a building in New York City that utilizes this technology. Ice batteries work by freezing water during off-peak hours, typically at night when electricity demand is lower and cheaper. During the day, when cooling demands are high, the melting ice is used to cool the building's air conditioning system. This process reduces the building's reliance on the power grid during peak hours, helping to prevent brownouts and blackouts.
Beyond grid stability, ice batteries offer significant cost savings. By shifting energy consumption to nighttime, buildings can take advantage of lower electricity rates. This can result in substantial reductions in energy bills over time. As climate change continues to drive up temperatures and increase the risk of power outages, ice batteries may become an increasingly popular and effective way to keep buildings cool and reduce strain on our energy infrastructure.
Ice Batteries: A Cool Solution for Hot Buildings
As temperatures rise, power outages become more common. A New York City building is using a unique solution: ice batteries. These systems freeze water at night, when energy demand is low, and then use the ice during the day to cool the building. This reduces strain on the power grid and saves money on energy bills.
Source: Read the original article at CBS