In a significant step towards energy independence and sustainability, the Middletown Recreation Center has completed the installation of a new microgrid system. This project is a cornerstone of the city's broader efforts to modernize its infrastructure and ensure the community's safety and comfort, particularly during extreme weather events.

The new recreation center, built on the former site of the Woodrow Wilson Middle School, is not only a hub for community activities with renovated gyms and pools but also serves a vital role as a designated heating and cooling center during power outages. The microgrid is the key to this resilience, allowing the facility to operate independently of the main power grid.

The system is a complex, hybrid energy solution designed and engineered by Clarke Energy in collaboration with other partners. Controlled Air, Inc. worked with Clarke Energy to create an energy-efficient solution that integrated a Yanmar combined heat and power (CHP) unit and a Yanmar gas heat pump (GHP) system. The core of the microgrid is the 35kW CHP unit, which provides both electricity and high-efficiency hot water for showers and the pool. This is complemented by a solar photovoltaic (PV) array that generates renewable electricity, with a battery energy storage system (BESS) to save surplus energy for later use. A backup gas-fueled generator from Kohler provides an additional layer of resilience, ensuring the facility can remain powered for extended periods.

This innovative system is designed to provide both parallel power during normal operation and "island mode" capability during a grid outage. The entire system is managed by a centralized microgrid controller, which optimizes the different energy sources for maximum efficiency and reliability. The project is expected to reduce the center's carbon dioxide emissions by 192 tons per year, aligning with the city's goals for a more sustainable future.

The Middletown Recreation Center microgrid is an excellent example of how communities can invest in infrastructure that not only serves their daily needs but also provides critical support in emergencies. It represents a forward-thinking approach to energy management, combining sustainability with an unwavering commitment to public safety and resilience.