CenTrio Energy

Chicago Thermal Energy Storage - Ice Battery

Keeping buildings comfortable can be challenging: chillers and cooling plants account for some of the highest electricity and operating costs in buildings; the equipment occupies a significant amount of space, and requires ongoing maintenance. CenTrio’s industry-leading “ice battery” offers a reliable, cost-effective, space-saving and energy-efficient alternative to conventional air conditioning.

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For any large property owner, heating and cooling and the associated electricity costs are some of the largest line items in the operating budget. In addition to cost, heating and cooling systems can encroach on otherwise usable space and carry significant operational burdens. This was the reality for many well-known, highly trafficked and large facilities in downtown Chicago before engaging with CenTrio.

For building owners and operators occupying more than 53-million square feet of space in these neighborhoods, working with CenTrio offers a reliable alternative to conventional air conditioning, and one that saves money, reduces noise and opens up livable space. CenTrio’s industry-leading “ice battery” is a simple way to create, store and deliver energy to customers. CenTrio’s innovative system makes and stores ice at night, when electricity prices are lowest, then distributes the chilled water during the day to cool nearby buildings. Shifting peak energy use to take advantage of lower costs is a reliable, cost-effective way to keep buildings comfortable, especially during long Chicago heat waves. And, by reducing strain on the grid during peak times, it’s also a smart strategy to enhance the city’s resilience.

CenTrio’s Chicago customers enjoy reduced maintenance and capital costs, and the space that would otherwise be occupied by large and noise-emitting chillers, cooling towers or other cumbersome equipment can be repurposed into leasable tenant space, a critical advantage in a city where real estate is at a premium. With CenTrio’s plants all connected, customers can leverage the reliability of a networked system and uninterrupted service, in any situation.

By the Numbers

125+

Customers Served

310,000

Ton-Hours of Thermal Energy Storage

Miles of Piping Underground

53 Million

Square Feet Served

150M+

Gallons of Fresh Water Offset Annually