The need for reliable, efficient, and safe energy storage solutions has never been greater than today. As industries and communities strive to integrate renewable energy sources and enhance grid resilience, battery energy storage systems (BESS) have emerged as a pivotal technology. These systems not only store excess energy for later use but also provide critical backup power during outages, facilitate peak shaving to reduce energy costs, and enable the formation of microgrids for localized energy management.
At Lathrop Trotter, we recognize the transformative potential of BESS and are committed to offering cutting-edge solutions that meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our partnership with Viridi, a leader in fail-safe, distributed energy storage, allows us to deliver advanced BESS tailored for various applications—from large-scale industrial operations to critical infrastructure and remote installations.
Viridi Distributed Energy Storage
Viridi is at the forefront of energy storage innovation, specializing in the development of smart, scalable, and safe lithium-ion battery systems. Their proprietary fail-safe architecture and patented anti-propagation technology set a new standard for safety in the industry, enabling installations in occupied spaces and around critical equipment without compromising on performance.
Manufactured in Buffalo, NY, Viridi’s products are designed to support the transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy future. With over 500 successful deployments across North America, their solutions are trusted by a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, and emergency services.
The RPS1200 is a 1.2 MWh containerized energy storage system engineered for high-demand applications. It offers:
- Peak Shaving: Optimizes energy use by deploying stored energy during high-priced peak demand periods and recharging during off-peak times, reducing overall energy costs
- Uninterrupted Backup Power: Ensures seamless operation during blackouts or brownouts
- Fail-Safe Technology: Equipped with passive thermal management and anti-propagation features to prevent Li-Ion battery fires
- Scalability: Multiple units can be paralleled into an intelligent microgrid.
- Integration: Compatible with various green energy sources like photovoltaic (PV), wind, and generators
With a nominal energy capacity of 1,174.4 kWh and a usable capacity of 1,041.8 kWh at 90% depth of discharge, the RPS1200 delivers 240 kW of continuous power, making it ideal for industrial applications, EV charging infrastructure, and large-scale renewable energy integration.
The RPS150 is a trailer-mounted, 146.7 kWh energy storage solution designed for mobility and versatility. Key features include:
Zero Emissions: Provides clean energy without the environmental impact of traditional generators.- Hybrid Operation: Can operate in conjunction with generators for enhanced efficiency
- Microgrid Participation: Capable of forming and participating in microgrids
- Quiet Operation: Minimal noise makes it suitable for events and sensitive environments.
- Flexible Charging: Supports on-grid charging and off-grid discharging
The RPS150 is ideal for temporary power needs, such as events, construction sites, and emergency response scenarios, offering reliable and sustainable energy wherever it’s needed.
The RPS50 is a compact, modular battery pack with a nominal capacity of 48.6 kWh, designed for both indoor and outdoor installations. Its features include:
- Fail-Safe Design: Incorporates passive anti-propagation technology for enhanced safety
- Modularity: Multiple packs can be configured in series or parallel to meet specific energy requirements.
- Zero Noise: Operates silently, making it suitable for occupied buildings and noise-sensitive environments
- Longevity: Offers a cycle life of up to 3,500 cycles, ensuring long-term reliability
- Versatility: Available in fixed and portable configurations to suit various applications.
The RPS50 is particularly suited for critical infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and commercial buildings, providing dependable backup power and facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources.
See Distributed Energy Storage in Action: Viridi Case Studies
Viridi has provided a handful of great case studies for you to see first hand how distributed energy storage solutions may be just what you need.
Energy Resislience for Critical Operations – Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute (HWI)
Viridi helped the Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute (Buffalo, NY) improve energy resilience for its critical medical research operations.
Challenge: HWI required a cost-effective solution to power their advanced medical research equipment, including a newly acquired cryo-electron microscope.
Solution: Viridi’s energy storage system allows HWI to store energy generated at night when electricity rates are low, and use it during the day, resulting in significant cost savings and reducing demand on the electric grid.
Result: Installation of Viridi’s RPS 150 provided long-duration, fail-safe battery backup, paired with monitoring and controls for real-time oversight. The institute gained improved operational reliability, reduced generator dependency, and safeguarded its mission-critical biomedical research activities.
Maximizing Campus Sustainability – Financial Firm Data Center
A multinational financial firm sought to maximize the impact of its renewable energy investments at a U.S. East Coast data center.
Challenge: A 1.8 MW solar array produced excess mid-day energy, most of which was exported to the grid, leaving the facility still reliant on non-carbon-neutral grid electricity during evenings and nights.
Solution: Viridi installed an 8.4 MWh BESS using seven RPS1200 containers, managed by AI-driven EMS with “Solar Zero Export” functionality.
Result: The battery stored excess solar energy and discharged it during non-solar hours, greatly increasing the firm’s self-consumption of renewable electricity and advancing its 24/7 carbon neutrality goal.
Reducing Cost & Carbon – National Grid Telecom Towers
Viridi provided battery backup solutions for one of the largest investor-owned utilities in the U.S., serving 20 million customers in New York and Massachusetts.
Challenge: Remote communication towers relied on diesel generators, which required costly maintenance, frequent refueling, and added strain during outages.
Solution: The installation of Viridi’s RPSLink BESS, with 50 kWh packs, is scalable for higher loads, combined with ViSTA® VCom IoT monitoring.
Result: Systems provided ~24 hours of power per pack, reduced reliance on diesel, cut costs, improved resilience, and supported decarbonization targets.
Prioritzing Battery Backup: Erie County Wastewater Pumping Stations
Viridi deployed battery energy storage systems (BESS) to replace costly, inefficient diesel generators at wastewater pumping stations in Western New York.
Challenge: Diesel generators powering pumps had high maintenance costs ($5,000–$10,000 annually), inefficiencies due to inrush current requirements, and frequent cycling wear.
Solution: A 100 kWh RPSLink BESS system was installed, capable of powering a pump for 32–90 hours, depending on demand. Real-time monitoring enabled better oversight and reduced truck rolls.
Result: This solution provided lowered power operational costs, reduced diesel use, improved reliability, and aided in progress toward decarbonization goals.
Advantages of Viridi’s Battery Energy Storage Systems
- Uncompromising Safety: Viridi’s patented fail-safe architecture and anti-propagation technology eliminate the risk of thermal runaway, ensuring safe deployment in and around occupied spaces.
- Scalability: Its modular designs allow for customized energy solutions, from small-scale installations to large, grid-tied systems.
- Smart Integration: Advanced IoT capabilities enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and seamless integration with existing energy management systems.
- Sustainability: It supports the transition to renewable energy by facilitating the storage and efficient use of solar, wind, and other green energy sources.
- American-Made Quality: Products are manufactured in the USA, supporting local economies and ensuring high-quality standards.
