Technology Innovation Brings Smart Grid into Philadelphia Train Stations

Saft lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology supplies megawatt level energy storage for the project. Saft, a leader in advanced technology batteries, has provided the project with one of the first dual purpose trackside Energy Storage Systems (ESS) in the United States.

"As a fully integrated, containerized Li-ion solution, the Saft system provides efficiency of greater than 95 percent and maximizes system availability, as well as helps to manage power flows,” said Thomas Alcide of President of Saft America."

"This project has high visibility within our company because it bridges two of the key industries we serve -- transportation and energy," said Daniel Cotton, general manager, ABB-Envitech. "It is a model that is perfectly aligned with our vision of the smart grid and greener transportation for the future. We believe the people of Philadelphia should be proud that two local companies, SEPTA and Viridity, have shown the leadership for making this project a world's first of its kind."

The successful launch of this project, funded in part through a 2010 Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA) grant program as well as support from Ben Franklin Technology Partners, demonstrates that energy storage can satisfy multiple value streams by accepting regenerative energy from train braking while simultaneously providing a revenue source by participating in the PJM frequency regulation marketplace.

Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.), a leader in Congress for energy efficiency and innovation in manufacturing through the U.S. Energy and Commerce Departments, praised Viridity Energy for its latest technological advance.

“Conceived in America, saving energy and dollars in Philadelphia — what an unbeatable combination we’re seeing today from the partnership of SEPTA, Viridity Energy, Saft and Envitech,” Fattah said. “Viridity is Philadelphia home-grown and bursting with smart, innovative technology. This is the kind of American can-do innovation that will keep our nation number one in the world. Congratulations to Viridity – already recognized by the White House as a Champion of Change – and to SEPTA for showing the way in public transit.”