The grid battery system is designed to hold 1 megawatt in reserve at the Wailea substation at a transformer for Maui Electric Co. for an hour during top power usage. MECO President Ed Reinhardt. It also is part of the utility’s collaboration in the growing field of finding and implementing new ways to control and improve power distribution, a recent A123 announcement said. A major problem with clean energy is that power can suddenly curtail, such as when breezes die down at wind farms. The new battery system is being tested on Maui for the “next generation of energy grids,” said Robert Johnson, vice president of energy solutions at A123. MECO spokeswoman Kau’i Awai-Dickson said. MECO officials, lawmakers and local business leaders and scientists said the climate for experimentation has dramatically improved: And Maui’s weather, unique topography, existing technology and MECO’s small grid make the Valley Isle an ideal worldwide testing – and investing – ground. The A123 battery system is related to the $14 million Maui Smart Grid Project as well as another solar “inverter” new test project, Awai-Dickson said.

The grid experiment is intended to help residents better manage and reduce energy consumption during high-use periods through technology. The battery system also could manage and maybe prevent some power outages due to overloads, Awai-Dickson said. The storage system will be installed sometime in 2012, said A123 spokesman Dan Borgasano. The cost was not available. MECO, the University of Hawaii and the Department of Energy have been developing the smart-grid project for home use in South Maui, by the new battery substation. The inverter project, meanwhile, allows MECO for the first time to see how much photovoltaic solar power is in use at any moment, Awai-Dickson said. PV has been in high demand. The A123 battery system is “designed to help MECO demonstrate and evaluate new technologies for operating the electric grid more efficiently,” company officials said. MECO’s smart-grid goals include measuring some of its energy-distribution methods. One way MECO seeks to collect real-life use data is by providing 200 Maui Meadow homeowners wireless home energy information kits. Participants could see from a laptop where power in their homes is being used most. The project may even involve MECO adding “smart” thermostats that adjust temperature when no one’s home. Also, last month, A123 also said it would supply an 11-megawatt grid battery system for Sempra Generation’s Auwahi wind project at Ulupalakua Ranch. The wind farm could power 10,000 homes.

Lately, it seems like outdoor living is all the rage. Especially when the weather’s warm, you probably like going to cookouts and pool parties, or even just sitting on the patio to watch the sunset. You might even know someone with a pool or garden, if you don’t have one yourself. If you’ve been considering ways to enhance your outdoor space this year, installing a small water feature might be a great way to go. A small water feature can be many things — a fountain, waterfall, rock pond or birdbath. It can take many forms and use flowing or standing water to enhance an outdoor area. Not only are they beautiful, but these additions will offer you and your guests a nice, tranquil and relaxing outdoor space. Read on for more ideas for small water features that you can build right in your backyard. There are many options for outdoor water fountains, so it’s important to do your research to see which one will complement your space best.

Fountains come in many shapes and sizes. They can go on walls and waterfalls; they can feature decorative toppers, and can be spherical or tiered. They also come in many different types of materials such as copper, cement, brass and stainless steel. You can even place them in an outdoor pond. Remember that bigger isn’t always better in this case. Although fountains can be a great addition to your landscape, they shouldn’t overpower your space. The first decision to make when choosing a miniature pond concerns its location. Assess the weather patterns around the area to make sure that the pond won’t get too much sun or shade. Ideally, the pond should get 4 to 6 hours of sunlight during the day to ensure that the water stays clean and clear of algae. This is also important if you want to have fish or tropical plants in your pond. Too much sun or shade is lethal to these additions, so the key is finding a good balance.

Next, you must decide on the size of your pond. It is important that the pond is at least 2 feet deep and 3 feet wide (61 centimeters deep and 91 centimeters wide), but you can expand the width according to your preference and the size of your space. Next, line the area with heavy-duty waterproof plastic. Then, just fill it with water. You may choose to sink large tubs or containers into the ground to house your pond. This is an easier alternative to digging a hole — just make sure you coat the inside of the container properly. You also may want to aerate your watering hole to stave off bugs. Lilies, pickerelweed and zebra rush are a few great plant options for your pond. Do some research to find out which plants will flourish the best. If you want to add goldfish to your pond, you can get them from your local pet store.