DBS Industries has successfully demonstrated satellite technology that could significantly reduce peak energy use throughout California. The demonstration, held June 14, 2001, at the Arden Fair Mall in Sacramento, showcased the DBSI Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite-based energy control system, which automatically turned off one of the common area air conditioning units within the mall. Minutes later, the same satellite system was used to reactivate the mall’s air conditioning unit.
By installing a transceiver on the rooftop, typically where such air conditioning units are located, an automatic temporary shutdown from space can be accomplished in a manner that minimizes patron discomfort. It is anticipated that the same transceiver units could be placed in government and other large retail spaces throughout the state. These large cooling units are major electricity consumers, representing over 3,000 MW of California’s 2001 peak summer demand. Contact DBS for more information.
