Simon Property Group unveils ‘Plug-in Ecosystem’ at Clay Terrace, a first-of-its-kind energy storage and vehicle charging system
Combination of traditional, fast charge charging stations, solar array and battery storage system provided through global collaboration led by Energy Systems Network
(CARMEL, Ind., January 30, 2013) Shoppers at Clay Terrace in Carmel, Ind. not only can choose from an exciting array of stores and restaurants, but now they also have the opportunity to minimize their carbon footprint. Simon Property Group, Toshiba Corporation, Duke Energy, ITOCHU Corporation, Tom Wood Automotive Group and Indiana’s ‘clean tech’ initiative Energy Systems Network (ESN) have teamed up to develop one of the most advanced charging stations in the world for plug-in cars, debuting today.
Clay Terrace’s new vehicle charging station is integrated with solar panels and a battery storage system, creating a ‘plug-in ecosystem’ which uses renewable energy and a battery system to store surplus power for evenings and cloudy days.
Central Indiana was chosen as the first site for the cutting-edge charging station based on the partners’ mutual engagement with ESN and its Project Plug-IN campaign. Project Plug-IN, a plug-in electric vehicle and charging infrastructure deployment initiative launched in 2009, has been nationally recognized for positioning the Indianapolis region as one of the most electric vehicle-friendly sites in the country.
“Indiana is becoming known as an ideal location for companies and research institutions to collaborate, develop and test new clean technologies,” said Paul Mitchell, ESN’s President & CEO. “It’s exciting that Hoosiers have the opportunity to get the first look at these innovative systems, but even more significant to Indiana’s economy is the fact that the clean tech sector recognizes our state as a place where innovation is embraced and validated.”
The ‘plug-in ecosystem’ contains both traditional and ‘quick charge’ charging stations that are connected to a 10-kilowatt roof-mounted solar panel. The solar energy can be stored in the Toshiba 75-kilowatt lithium ion battery, located next to the charging system.
According to Ryuji Maruyama, General Manager of Toshiba’s Smart Community Division, “Toshiba developed its end of the ‘Plug-in Ecosystem’ for North America by combining existing micro-EMS (energy management system) optimization control capabilities with our latest rechargeable battery technology. This system ensures the efficient management of load within the EV charging system.”
This system is unique as a ‘real-world’ demonstration of smart charging technologies rather than a test site. Its direct connection to the Duke Energy electrical grid, and its unique public location at a shopping mall allows customers to experience and learn about the technology firsthand. For Duke Energy, the installation provides a valuable model for how renewable energy can be aligned with advanced storage technologies to provide a practical power source.
“Innovations in grid energy storage can have a tremendous impact on the effectiveness of renewable energy usage,” said Zachary Kuznar, Senior Project Manager, Emerging Technology Office at Duke Energy. “Because renewable energy sources like solar and wind are intermittent and less reliable, incorporating energy storage can make them much more stable. This system at Clay Terrace allows us to even out the variable solar output, shift energy from off-peak to peak energy usage times and ‘buffer’ the grid from electric vehicle charging, which can use a substantial amount of energy, particularly with DC quick charging.”
“Simon Property Group already has a history of innovation in the real estate industry,” said George Caraghiaur, Senior Vice President of Sustainability at Simon Property Group. “The majority of our shopping malls across the state are now equipped with electric vehicle charging stations, and we’re seeking to upgrade this infrastructure just like we work to enhance every aspect of our customers’ shopping experience. We’re proud to play a role in perfecting this new technology and offering it to our customers.”
Customers may begin charging their plug-in vehicles today at the Clay Terrace system, which is located at the north end of the parking lot just north of Dick’s Sporting Goods. Currently the charging system is available to customers at no cost.
About Energy Systems Network and Project Plug-IN: Energy Systems Network (ESN) is a not-for-profit, industry-driven economic initiative focused on the development of Indiana's "clean tech" sector. ESN provides project development and coordination for joint ventures and cooperative partnerships between network members who are seeking to bring new energy technologies, products or applications to market. Project Plug-IN, one of ESN's initiatives, is a commercial scale pilot of plug-in electric vehicles and smart grid technology working together to demonstrate an energy efficient transportation system solution. ESN and Project Plug-IN received U.S. Department of Energy grant funding through the Indiana Office of Energy Development (IOED) for the deployment of electric vehicles and charging stations. For more information, visitwww.energysystemsnetwork.com and www.projectplugin.com.
About Simon Property Group: Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG) is an S&P 100 company and the largest real estate company in the world. The Company currently owns or has an interest in 329 retail real estate properties in North America and Asia comprising 243 million square feet. We are headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employ approximately 5,500 people in the U.S. For more information, visit the Simon Property Group website at www.simon.com or contact Les Morris at lmorris@simon.com.
About Toshiba Corporation: Toshiba is a world leader and innovator in pioneering high technology, a diversified manufacturer and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products spanning digital consumer products; electronic devices and components; power systems; industrial and social infrastructure systems; and home appliances. Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 550 companies, with 210,000 employees worldwide and annual sales of 6.1 trillion yen (US $74.4 billion).
About ITOCHU Corporation: With approximately 130 bases in 66 countries, ITOCHU, one of the leading sogo shosha, or general trading companies, is engaging in domestic trading, import/export, and overseas trading of various products such as textile, machinery, metals, minerals, energy, chemicals, food, information and communications technology, realty, general products, insurance, logistics services, construction, and finance, as well as business investment in Japan and overseas.
About Duke Energy: Duke Energy is the largest electric power companies in the United States with more than $100 billion in total assets. Its regulated utility operations serve approximately 7.1 million electric customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest. Its commercial power and international business segments own and operate diverse power generation assets in North America and Latin America, including a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets in the United States.
Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at www.duke-energy.com.
About Tom Wood Automotive Group: Tom Wood Automotive has been a fixture in Indianapolis since 1967. Still a family owned business, it has grown to 15 franchises with dealerships in three states. Indianapolis, and Anderson in Indiana; Richfield and Bloomington in Minnesota, and Lexington, Kentucky. Their current franchises include: Toyota/Scion, Nissan, Volkswagen, Subaru, Jaguar, Volvo, Land Rover, Porsche, Audi, Ford, Lexus, Mitsubishi and Honda. The Tom Wood family of companies also includes the Tom Wood Collision Center, Tom Wood Rental, Quality Leasing, Premier Acceptance and Tom Wood Aviation.
Tom Wood Automotive has become a leader in the promotion of alternative fuel vehicles and offers fully electric, hybrid and compressed natural gas vehicles. The company strives to serve its customers and community with "Honor, Integrity and Loyalty" as it has since 1967.
About Lauth: Since 1977, Lauth has been building facilities for clients to lease or own throughout the United States. Lauth’s years of solid experience, coupled with completed projects worth billions, make it a leading national development and construction firm. Lauth delivers virtually any kind of facility including healthcare, industrial, office, or retail nationwide. Additional Lauth information is available at http://www.lauth.net. People. Trust. Experience.
