In industries like data centers, refineries, and manufacturing plants, the immense heat generated during operations is typically unused and vented out or absorbed by cooling towers, creating a hidden resource that until now has 'slipped through the cracks,' so to speak. Fortunately, TESS Energy Solutions is harnessing this energy, capturing the wasted heat, and converting it into reliable power.
Founded by energy innovators Dr. Stephane Bilodeau and Michael Logan, TESS transforms what was once a costly byproduct into a renewable asset, aligning operational efficiency with sustainable practices. Their approach not only recoups lost energy but also offers companies a pathway to reduced costs and lower emissions without requiring extensive reconfigurations or downtime.
Unused industrial heat not only contributes to environmental issues, energy inefficiency, and increased carbon emissions but also releases excess heat into the atmosphere or water systems, causing thermal pollution, which harms local ecosystems.
"We're at a critical moment, a potential climate tipping point that anyone doing their homework can recognize," explains Logan, the former Vice President of The Renewable Energy Institute and TESS's CEO. "On the positive side, the deployment of this technology is not only boosting the bottom line for users but also advancing efforts to reverse environmental damage. The fact that we're at a point where we can actively reverse some of the damage is incredible. And none of this would be possible without the infrastructure and technology we've developed."
Energy waste also drives up operational costs since companies are paying for energy they don't use. It also adds unnecessary demand on power grids, which can lead to more fossil fuel consumption. Repurposing this wasted energy also reduces emissions, lowers costs, and supports more sustainable industrial operations.
"Our focus is on solving one of the industry's most overlooked inefficiencies," says Logan. "Industries are essentially sitting on a goldmine of energy. With the right approach, we can capture that heat and put it to good use."
How TESS's System Works: Smart, Compact, and Reliable
The core of TESS's technology is a compact system roughly the size of a shipping container, about 8 feet by 20 feet. This unit can be integrated into industrial environments with minimal disruption, transforming waste heat into a source of power for the facility itself. Inside, TESS uses phase change materials PCMs, which absorb and retain large amounts of heat. PCMs are substances that can store and release significant amounts of thermal energy as they change phases, typically from solid to liquid and back. In the case of TESS, these materials capture excess heat, store it, and release it when needed, either as electricity or as recycled heat that can be fed back into the facility's systems.
"Our system is designed to make use of every bit of excess heat, which can result in energy cost savings of up to 40%. It's a way of capturing value that's otherwise lost," Logan explains.
The heart of TESS's technology lies in its innovative use of patented, synthetic phase change materials and AI-driven systems. AI plays a key role by constantly monitoring facility energy flows and adjusting the system's operations based on real-time data. The AI optimizes when heat should be stored, when it should be converted into electricity, and when it should be released as recycled energy. This dynamic process means TESS's solution can adapt to a variety of operational needs, making it suitable for industries with fluctuating energy requirements, such as data centers, steel production, and petrochemical facilities.
Calculated Savings: TESS's Proprietary App
TESS has also developed a proprietary app that gives clients an immediate insight into their potential savings. The app gathers data from each facility's unique setup, including the specific configurations of boilers, chillers, and cooling systems. It then uses real billing data to calculate potential cost savings with about 95% accuracy.
"We've designed the app to make it easy for facilities managers and decision-makers to see the impact of our system," says Logan. "They can quickly see how much they stand to save on energy costs and what that means in terms of carbon reduction." This data-driven approach has already helped TESS build strong partnerships with clients across industries, who can make informed, confident decisions about integrating the technology.
This includes one of TESS's flagship installations at the Montreal Stock Exchange, where their system not only reduces energy consumption but can also provide backup power during critical blackouts.
In another case, TESS engaged in conversations with a large facility in India, where their technology could increase coal plant output by up to 25% while reducing overall fuel consumption and emissions. "They told us that our solution would help them meet their environmental goals," Logan notes. "Our technology has the potential to make a huge impact everywhere, but especially in places where power sources are limited or heavily reliant on fossil fuels."
Scaling Through Licensing and Local Assembly
Another standout feature of TESS' solutions is the flexibility of its business model. The company uses a licensing model that allows them to set up local assembly plants quickly to meet rising demand in various regions. Chief Engineer Dr. John Victor Christy leads this effort, tailoring solutions to the specific needs of clients in different sectors. With this approach, TESS has expanded its footprint across markets, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
This model also allows TESS to rapidly deploy its technology, bringing heat capture and repurposing to diverse locations, from petrochemical facilities in Texas to data centers in Amsterdam. The scalability of TESS's model also means the company can respond quickly to growing demand for energy-efficient solutions.
A Vision for the Future: Practical Solutions with Real Environmental Impact
Dr. Bilodeau's research focused on creating practical energy solutions that are environmentally responsible without sacrificing efficiency. Together, he and Logan have built TESS with a vision rooted in both economic and environmental responsibility. "We know that to make an impact, it has to make sense financially for our clients," says Logan. "But the environmental benefits are just as important, and the two go hand in hand."
Logan reflects on the broader impact TESS could have globally: "We can reduce global energy consumption by ⅓ and return over 1 trillion dollars a year to the global economy. That's trillions of dollars saved and a significant reduction in emissions—an impact that would last generations."
A Win-Win for Industries and the Environment
With energy costs rising and environmental regulations tightening, TESS's solutions are coming at the right time. By turning waste into value, the company is not just helping businesses save on costs but also making it easier for them to meet their environmental commitments. From tax incentives for thermal energy storage to new credits for using American-made materials, TESS's clients can also take advantage of financial benefits that make implementing this technology even more attractive.
Ultimately, TESS Energy Solutions isn't just in the business of energy efficiency. They're reshaping how industries think about wasted resources, creating a new standard for how companies can generate, store, and consume energy.
"We're in this for the long haul," Logan says. "Our technology is ready to meet the world's energy needs in a way that's sustainable, practical, and truly impactful."
Learn more about TESS Energy Solutions today.
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