📋 Case Study

Austin Energy Smart Schools Initiative

Need scalable, low-cost grid-interactive solution compatible with aging HVAC and lighting infrastructure; budget capped at $120/kW

🏗️ Project Overview

Network of 17 K–12 campuses totaling 210 MW demand across Austin ISD

🎯 Challenge

Need scalable, low-cost grid-interactive solution compatible with aging HVAC and lighting infrastructure; budget capped at $120/kW

🔧 Design Approach

Cloud-based DR orchestration platform with retrofitted BAS controllers, wireless load sensors, and thermal inertia modeling for school occupancy patterns

📐 Design Diagram

AI-generated project design illustration

📐 Key Calculations

Thermal Inertia Coefficient (TIC)

R × C

Result: 4.2 hr·°F/MBtu

Enables 2.5-hr pre-cool window without discomfort

Per-Campus CapEx Efficiency

Total CapEx ÷ Total kW

Result: $113/kW

Met utility rebate threshold

📊 Results

Aggregate 14.3 MW DR capacity delivered; 92% enrollment rate across campuses; 3.1-year average payback

💡 Lessons Learned

•School occupancy profiles require granular day-type classification (e.g., ‘testing day’, ‘early release’)
•Wireless sensor mesh must support 10+ year battery life for maintenance feasibility

✅ Key Takeaways

1School occupancy profiles require granular day-type classification (e.g., ‘testing day’, ‘early release’)
2Wireless sensor mesh must support 10+ year battery life for maintenance feasibility