Establishes a Key Channel for ZBB Systems Into North American Utilities
MILWAUKEE, WI–ZBB Energy Corporation (NYSE MKT: ZBB), a leading developer of innovative energy management systems for the utility, commercial and industrial building markets, today announced an order for its Matrix Energy Management and Agile Hybrid Energy Storage systems. The ZBB systems, introduced just a few months ago, will be incorporated into the Microgrid South Campus of Open Access Technology International (OATI) in Bloomington, Minnesota, which will integrate new strategies for utilities to further optimize their power supply management efforts through reduced operational challenges and costs.
ZBB has roughly one megawatt-hour of its new Agile Hybrid Storage systems, together with more than a dozen Matrix Energy Management Systems, currently under contract. These quick sales are attributable to ZBB’s differentiated technology and unique portfolio of products and services that operate in front of and behind-the-meter.
“With the vast majority of North American utilities using OATI’s solutions, they are a clear leader in deploying complex systems and control platforms for the energy industry. ZBB is pleased to be part of their dynamic strategy to optimally manage distributed generation and energy storage systems as part of a new, utility-focused, energy infrastructure solution,” said Brad Hansen, CEO and President of ZBB Energy Corporation.
The Agile Hybrid Energy Storage System uses flow and lithium-ion batteries for a hybrid approach to address both power and energy needs. For quick, short-term power, the system utilizes the lithium-ion batteries, while the flow batteries are ideal for long-duration energy needs. The Matrix Energy Management System, a unique power controls solution in the energy storage industry, features ZBB’s patented “Auto-Sync” DC-bus modular control technology that enables seamless integration of all AC and DC system inputs and automatic routing of generated power in the most efficient and cost effective mode, in or out of the building. A central feature of the Matrix is its modularity and scalability, which allows the operator to add a variety of advanced energy generating sources at any time. This capability of the Matrix “future-proofs” a facility to accommodate a myriad of applications, government policies or technology updates that are likely over the lifetime of a 20-year asset life.
“The new OATI microgrid will capture the significant flexibility that the Matrix and Agile Hybrid systems offer by allowing us to change, add or subtract multiple generating resources to the building microgrid, as well as support our data centers comfortably should a utility outage occur,” said David Heim, Chief Strategy Officer. “Our next generation of webSmartEnergy and other solutions will be used by thousands of companies, so OATI demands a high level of adaptability in managing generating assets now, and well into the future. We expect ZBB’s technology to meet those expectations and position OATI customers for success.”
OATI will incorporate ZBB’s Matrix Energy Management System and 200 kilowatt-hour Agile Hybrid battery storage into a grid-connected system that will be controlling and optimizing the energy from wind power, the electricity grid and batteries. Future plans call for the addition of solar power to the system. Among applications that OATI plans to qualify for their total infrastructure solution are energy peak shaving, contingency reserves, demand response and renewable energy firming or smoothing, and micro-grid power.
About ZBB Energy Corporation
ZBB Energy Corporation (NYSE MKT: ZBB) provides advanced energy management systems critical to the transition from a coal-centric economy to one reliant on the expansion of renewable energy. Whether part of the grid power transmission and distribution network, or behind-the-meter in commercial, industrial and multi-tenant buildings, ZBB Energy brings new power control and energy storage solutions to environments challenged by the increasingly pervasive use of renewable energy generating assets. ZBB Energy also provides energy management systems for off-grid applications such as island or remote power. In 2015 ZBB incorporated power purchase agreements (PPA’s) into its portfolio of offerings, enabling electricity savings for customers and providing a stable financial yield for investors. ZBB is a global corporation, with a joint venture in AnHui, China at Meineng Energy, as well as a strategic partnership with Lotte Chemical in South Korea. For more information, visit: http://www.zbbenergy.com.
About OATI
OATI provides innovative software solutions that simplify, streamline, and empower the operational tasks required in today’s energy commerce and Smart Grid. With more than 1,600 customers in North America, OATI successfully deploys large, complicated, and diverse mission-critical applications committed to industry standards and stringent NERC CIP guidelines. OATI (http://www.oati.com) is a leading provider of Smart Grid, Energy Trading and Risk Management, Transmission Scheduling, Congestion Management, and Market Management products and services. OATI is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with an office in Redwood City, California. For more information, please contact sales@oati.net.
ZBB Contact:
Michelle Montague
mmontague@zbbenergy.com
503.997.9550
Investor Relations Contact:
Three Part Advisors, LLC
Jeff Elliott
972-423-7070
Matt Selinger
817-310-8776
Phillip Kupper
817-778-8339
