The Benefits
Perfect Power means not only a cheaper energy bill for IIT, but also a safer, more productive campus and the opportunity for IIT to set the standard for electric power delivery.
Reduced need for scheduled upgrades — In addition to the savings listed above, Perfect Power will mean savings for ComEd and Illinois consumers, as it allows the utility to defer a planned $2 million upgrade to the Fisk substation. As noted, it will also eliminate the need for a new east campus substation that would otherwise cost IIT $5 million, for a total of $7 million in savings from avoided infrastructure upgrades.
Reduced energy costs — IIT is projected to save approximately $500,000 to $1.5 million per year by reducing electricity peak demand, electricity usage, and providing ancillary services to the grid. IIT can also reduce costs by purchasing a portion of its electricity in real time. In addition, IIT will save transmission and distribution charges and taxes.
Improved power reliability and quality — With the Perfect Power System, cable failures will be automatically isolated and power rerouted to prevent local building outages. Onsite generation combined with demand response will allow the campus to continue to operate in the case of an interruption in ComEd supply.
Create a greener campus — The Perfect Power System will help IIT achieve its Energy Action Plan objectives— including significantly reducing CO2 emissions and improving efficiency in electricity use by 20 percent—by reducing peak demand, distributing energy more efficiently, and leveraging solar and other renewable resources.
IIT is positioned as an electrical engineering innovator — Perfect Power will position IIT as a living laboratory for the most advanced distribution system concepts and control technologies, providing a powerful resource for attracting students and government/ industry funding.
Expanded research and education grant opportunities— IIT’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering plans to attract additional grants and philanthropic support, in excess of $1 million per year, due to the added campus features and functions of the Perfect Power System. The societal benefits of the proposed $3.5 million research on Perfect Power is viewed to be substantially higher once the proposed research results are replicated throughout the U.S.
Improved campus safety and security — The Perfect Power System will provide IIT with a significantly more robust energy system that can respond to weather, aging, and other threats, ensuring power to students, teachers, and tenants during emergencies. The system will also enhance IIT personnel safety due to the automation of manual high voltage switches.