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The solar energy system will serve
as a pilot alternative energy project to be evaluated for
possible use at other Ford manufacturing facilities in the
future. A secondary, smaller solar energy system will be
integrated at Michigan Assembly to power lighting systems at the
plant.
“This solar energy system allows
us to test the viability of alternative energy to supply power
for our manufacturing facilities around the world. It serves as
a significant initiative within our corporate emphasis on
sustainability,” said Jim Tetreault, Ford vice president, North
America Manufacturing. “Michigan Assembly Plant has been
transformed into a facility that embodies our drive for flexible
manufacturing and strives for new standards for green
manufacturing.”
Energy storage
Ford collaborated with DTE Energy to install the 500-kilowatt
solar photovoltaic panel system at Michigan Assembly. The system
will be integrated with a 750-kilowatt energy storage facility
that can store 2 million watt-hours of energy using batteries –
enough to power 100 average Michigan homes for a year. The
project will also include a 50-kilowatt-hour facility to
demonstrate the potential reuse of vehicle electric batteries
for stationary energy storage. Xtreme Power of Austin, Texas, is
supplying its Dynamic Power Resource on-site energy storage and
power management system.
The solar energy installation is
part of DTE Energy’s pilot SolarCurrents program that calls for
photovoltaic systems to be installed on customer rooftops or
property over the next five years to generate 15 megawatts of
electricity throughout southeast Michigan.
The Michigan Assembly project is
funded by a $3 million investment from DTE Energy’sSolarCurrents
program, a $2 million grant from the Michigan Public Service
Commission in support of the state’s smart-grid initiative, and
approximately $800,000 worth of in-kind contributions from Ford.
“This multimillion-dollar
investment is just a portion of DTE Energy’s commitment to
renewable energy,” said Trevor Lauer, DTE Energy vice president,
Marketing & Renewables. “We’re pleased to work with Ford as it
takes another step to help the environment and with the state as
it works to meet its renewable energy goals.”
Solar power will also charge
electric vehicle batteries
Ford will install 10 electric vehicle charging stations at
Michigan Assembly to demonstrate advanced battery charging
technologies for vehicles using renewable energy and other
smart-grid advances. The stations will be used to recharge the
electric switcher trucks that transport vehicle parts between
adjacent buildings at the manufacturing site. Part of the pilot
project involves a demonstration of the possibility for using
electrified vehicle batteries as stationary power storage
devices after their useful life as vehicle power sources is
over.
Sustainable energy use
Michigan Assembly will operate on a blend of renewable and
conventional electricity. Renewable energy collected by the
solar system will go into the plant’s electrical distribution
system to help provide power. When the plant is inactive, the
collected solar energy will go into the Dynamic Power Resource
storage system for later use, providing power during periods of
insufficient or inconsistent sunlight.
“Xtreme Power is pleased to be a
part of this groundbreaking project with two very progressive
companies, Ford and DTE,” stated Carlos Coe, CEO of Xtreme
Power. “This installation demonstrates the versatility of our
Dynamic Power Resource. We developed a new product size to
operate in a new climate and programmed the controls for a new
application for proven technology.”
Michigan Assembly’s energy storage
system will be able to recharge from the smart grid during
off-peak hours when energy is available at a lower cost. This in
turn can provide inexpensive power during peak operating hours
when the cost per kilowatt-hour is usually higher, and can help
reduce peak demand on the grid.
“The Michigan Assembly Plant solar
array builds on Ford’s other renewable energy initiatives
including geothermal energy in Ohio and wind energy in the U.K.
and Belgium,” said Donna Inch, chairman and CEO, Ford Land.
“This is one more step in our journey toward sustainability."
Photos: Ford
(March 11, 2011)
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