EnergyTech 2012 Adopting DC Power Emmett Romine Manager, Energy Optimization

Why is DTE Energy interested in DC options? Key participation in Emerge Alliance is focused on opportunities for energy efficiency in alternative building power configurations Options for building controls and continuous commissioning – combining energy savings with other benefits makes cost effectiveness for the customer Longer term benefits of Solar integration with building systems DTE is exploring as a demonstration through the Armstrong DC Flexzone Grid product 2

EMerge Alliance ® System 24VDC – Class 2 Wiring – Energized Ceiling

DC FlexZone Grid - Infrastructure Safe, Low Voltage DC The Grid is wired up but not every device The Main Beams carry safe, low voltage DC power to a series of Electrical Loads such as light fixtures making power available throughout the Ceiling Plane Unlike the traditional way, conduit wiring must carry High Voltage AC to each and every device through hard wiring Higher Voltage AC

Enabling Plug & Play for Devices Just plug in! Electrical devices like light fixtures just plug into the grid, rather than using high voltage AC conduit. It’s safe NEC Class 2 power, anyone can do it. It makes it easier for maintenance to do moves, adds, and changes. DC FlexZone Grid – Plug and Play

Nextek’s Power Server Module provides safe low voltage DC to the ceiling grid TE Connectivity provides Connectors and Cablings to the EMerge Ceiling system DC FlexZone Grid – Power Distribution

Flexibility – Faster moves, adds, changes – No rewiring – Future-proof for new technologies like LEDs Sustainability – Reduce -- Simpler devices, less AC- DC conversions – Re-use -- Plug & play modularity – Recycle – High recycled content ceiling grid – Renew – Connect to alternative energy (like solar & wind) Safety – Touch safe 24vDC – No need to run line AC voltages to fixtures and devices DC FlexZone Grid – Benefits

Codes and standards impacts on DC NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) sets the tone for codes –They are the backbone of the electric code generation with highly acceptable standards and codes that are used universally. –NFPA works closely with ANSI and Professional Engineers in development of new codes. Seek a Specialty License for low voltage. –Currently all wiring in MI is governed by our licensing law whether it's AC or DC. A specialty license can single out a segment of this work for specialized training and licensor. –Some states (not MI) already have a low voltage specialty license. Work closely with industry to build a business case. 8

Perspectives on SunShot PV initiative Currently large projects are at about $3.00/watt all in Panel prices have now dropped below $1.00, but balance of system (BOS) is at $ Achieving $1.00 (all in) or lower may be difficult to achieve in the short term If classical learning curves apply (i.e. Moore’s Law, Haitz’s Law), the timing may be realized by the end of the decade 9

THANK YOU! Emmett Romine Manger, Energy Optimization eromine DTE_Energy erominedteenergy DTEEnergyCompany 10