FAIR LAWN, N.J. — CALMAC®, a leader in ice-based thermal energy storage systems, has launched a new app to identify the energy savings from applying thermal energy storage in commercial building projects. Available for free on all Apple and Android smart devices, the app allows manufacturing representatives and mechanical and consulting engineers to quickly simulate the effect of thermal energy storage installations on demand. Users can predict reductions in peak electrical demand from use of ice-based thermal energy storage tanks. With the app, those developing commercial projects — in either new or existing buildings — can take the first step in determining energy storage needs in a simple and easy-to-use way, said the company.

CALMAC’s IceBank® thermal energy storage system is designed to store inexpensive nighttime electricity and renewable energy like wind in the form of ice for use during periods of peak electrical demand. Thermal energy storage can also kick in to provide cooling if a cloud prevents use of solar during expensive peak demand hours or during electrical demand response events. With thermal energy storage, building owners can experience significant savings by creating and storing ice at night, when the price of energy can be reduced by nearly 50 percent, for next day cooling operations. The app assists in the initial selection of thermal energy storage tanks.