The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is collaborating with Cornell University and the Electric Power Research Institute to demonstrate use of a quieter and no-emission mobile battery to power campus events.
The mobile battery energy storage system, known as MBESS, is a potential replacement for use of portable diesel generators.
"Use of new technologies like the MBESS unit is evidence of New York’s commitment to transition to a clean energy economy and to pursue new energy storage options that will help strengthen the state’s electric system, ensuring its reliability and resilience," NYPA said.
“Advancing energy storage technology is essential to accelerating the clean energy transition,” said New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. “The success of the new mobile battery storage system at Cornell highlights NYPA’s commitment to innovation and to piloting new technologies that can be scaled to drive New York’s energy future.”
The newly designed MBESS unit debuted in November at Cornell’s Ithaca campus to validate the system’s ability to provide temporary power during various large outdoor events.
The unit will be evaluated for its contribution to energy resilience and emergency response efforts. Cornell used the MBESS system Nov. 20 at the “Charging Forward: Cornell’s Mobile Battery Demonstration.”
Mobile battery energy storage systems have emerged in recent years as a versatile option to provide a clean and quiet alternative to portable diesel fuel generation power at off-grid locations. Unlike stationary storage systems, MBESS can be deployed to remote or temporary sites, providing temporary power under various applications such as grid support, emergency backup, and remote power supply.
Cornell’s system, manufactured by Viridi, employs Viridi’s proprietary lithium-ion battery technology, reducing potential fire risk, and is being explored as a quieter option, a flexible emergency power source, and a new standard for providing on-site power at locations where power is limited or non-existent.
For Cornell, this project builds on the university’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality. The mobile battery will contribute to Cornell’s living laboratory for sustainable innovation, which seeks to simultaneously improve university facilities while demonstrating scalable sustainability solutions for the general public.
“Cornell is proud to collaborate with NYPA and EPRI on this exciting demonstration of mobile battery energy storage,” said Juliet Parsons, associate director of Operations and Logistics at Cornell University. “The MBESS project supports Cornell’s campus-wide commitment to carbon neutrality while offering a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient power solution for major events like commencement, reunion, and other campus-wide gatherings. By reducing our reliance on diesel generators, we’re improving both the sustainability and quality of event support, while also contributing to the university’s role as a living laboratory for scalable clean energy innovation.”
When not in use, Cornell’s MBESS will be parked at a charging center where it is connected to the grid. When the MBESS is required to provide temporary power to an event or during an emergency, it is disconnected from the grid and transported to a site where it can be used as standalone power source for up to five hours.
This transportable characteristic is particularly valuable during an emergency event such as a storm where quick response and adaptability are crucial, NYPA noted.
The MBESS will be used to provide power during outdoor campus events such as convocation, graduation, reunion and homecoming. The unit could generate power to light up large tents, give catering trucks a place to plug in, power an inflatable large screen at movie nights, amongst other activities.
The MBESS will avoid the need for polluting generators that normally would have to be gassed up several times during the run of outdoor events.
The mobile energy storage system being investigated, Viridi’s RSP150, is an 8.5-foot trailer-mounted, lithium-ion unit that can provide 30kW of power for approximately five hours. The unit will be deployed to various sites as needed, primarily for large-scale events that require reliable power without sole reliance on portable diesel generators.
NYPA funded the project and engaged Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability and the Facilities and Campus Services Office to host the demonstration and oversaw the installation of charging infrastructure and site acceptance testing.
Under the research and development project, NYPA and EPRI researchers will document the process and procedures of acquiring and deploying the MBESS to expand the industry’s understanding of the technology’s readiness and characteristics.
Cornell faculty and students will examine how the technology can help reduce the environmental footprint of large universities in a cost-effective manner. Advancing MBESS has the potential to provide societal benefit by increasing the flexibility, reliability and resiliency of clean energy use.
“This mobile battery storage system demonstration and collaboration offers a better understanding of this emerging technology and its potential impact in real-world conditions,” said Haresh Kamath, director of energy storage and cross-cutting technologies at EPRI. “The insights gained here can help inform broader industry adoption of flexible technologies, supporting a more reliable and resilient energy future.”
“Through gaining a better understanding of the acquisition and permitting process of a mobile energy storage unit, this project has a lasting benefit for NYPA, New Yorkers and the broader energy and scientific community,” said Alan Ettlinger, senior director, Research and Development and NYPA research lead on the project.
“The MBESS is a great example of the kind of practical, yet innovative solutions that are inspired at Cornell by encouraging collaboration between staff managing real-world issues, academic innovation, and supportive industry and state partners,” said Sarah Carson, director of Campus Sustainability at Cornell University.
“Through our collaboration with NYPA, EPRI, and Cornell’s Atkinson Center, the deployment of Viridi’s 150 kWh trailered RPS150 will support real-world research on mobile BESS performance, enabling data-driven strategies to optimize economic value and carbon reduction for campus festivals and events," said Tess M. Williams, project manager, Viridi.
