June 29, 2009

DRAM Balances Energy Usage

by Daniel Stouffer

Energy costs more if it's in high demand, this is a simple supply and demand scenario. DRAM, however, enables an enterprise to benefit from energy price reductions by utilizing a demand response program. The technology allows stores, hotels and retail operations to use controls and software. This innovative energy-saving solution can be utilized without interfering in other operations.

Demand Response and Advanced Metering are programs that utilize advanced technology to monitor energy use within specific parameters in an effort to reduce energy usage during peak demand times. This type of monitoring ensures system reliability, infrastructure optimization and the best price for energy usage. It also reduces a companys carbon footprint, an important step in addressing global warming.

Several different methods are available for pricing energy. For example, with real-time pricing, prices are set in advance for a given time, whilst time of use pricing also sets in advance but changes only twice a year. Dynamic pricing reflects different prices for different time periods, whilst critical peak pricing is based on certain peak hours or certain days when energy demand is very high.

The Demand Response part of the DRAM acronym refers to efforts that reduce energy usage during high demand times. The use of these types of programs is increasing throughout the U.S. as companies look to reduce their energy costs and gain better control of their energy use among all sites enterprise wide.

Advanced Metering, within the DRAM system, captures and records usage of energy according to a set interval schedule. Price-based demand response programs can thus be utilized and specialized software tracks and records usage for data management purposes.

With DRAM controls and programs, a company can control HVAC/R, lighting, equipment and backup generators from anywhere in the world through the use of a computer. Enterprises also have the ability to control an entire energy demand event remotely from an administrative interface for one or multiple sites; set energy scenarios to allow for demand response execution; and obtain real-time energy tracking. A central system can be set up across the entire enterprise, regardless of the number of sites or locations.

Retail enterprises can set up a web enabled network system to help them identify energy loads for curtailment. Through the use of DRAM, computerized controls and software, electrical loads can be better managed during peak times. Curtailments can be tested and verified and companies can enjoy automatic notification for demand response needs.

Enterprise energy management services can best provide energy response solutions through an integrated web channel. All types of institutional, industrial and commercial business can participate in the reduction of demand and control of consumption. Special cost-saving programs open up, including rebates and incentives.

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