CX-100445 Categorical Exclusion Determination

State of Illinois SEP: Illinois Institute of Technology: Technology and Demonstration Grant No. 13-432008: Smart Energy Storage System in Hybrid AC/DC Microgrid
Award Number: DE-EE0006225
CX(s) Applied: A9, B5.15
Weatherization & Intergovernmental Programs
Date: 01/08/2016
Location(s): IL
Office(s): Golden Field Office

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide federal funding to theIllinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to demonstrate a novel approach to integrating energy storage systems within microgrid environments where renewable energy assets are deployed.

Activities associated with the proposed project would include the installation of a battery energy storage system (BESS) beneath an existing set of exterior stairs at the Keating Hall building on the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) campus in Chicago, IL. There would also be an education and outreach component of the proposed project to develop a curriculum based on smart energy storage. The system would be comprised of a 300 square foot room placed on existing concrete that would house batteries and other electrical equipment associated with a modular, pre-assembled BESS. The BESS would be tied into the existing roof-mounted PV system at Keating Hall as well as the existing IIT microgrid infrastructure. Due to the placement of the BESS underneath the stairs, the structure would be minimally visible. The proposed project would require a standard building permit from the Chicago Department of Buildings that would be obtained prior to beginning construction. There would be no hazardous or listed materials or components involved in this project. There would be no ground disturbance required for the proposed installation activities. No change in the use, mission or operation of existing facilities would arise out of this effort.