Sinclair Hotel innovates with sustainable energy storage

Friday, March 1, 2024

It was reported that The Sinclair Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas, which prides itself on being the first all-digital hotel globally, has made a significant shift from its origins as the headquarters of The Sinclair Oil Company in 1930. Embracing modern technology such as power-over-ethernet, digital electricity, and alternatives to diesel for energy conservation, the hotel stands out as a model of sustainable hospitality within the Marriott Autograph Collection.

This transition is particularly relevant as power outages increase, prompting businesses to explore various backup power options based on cost, location, and energy requirements. Energy Star notes that hotels typically allocate $2,196 per room each year to energy, or about 6% of total operational costs. With 164 boutique rooms, The Sinclair’s annual energy expenditure is estimated at $360,000, underscoring the need for a dependable energy solution in a state known for frequent power outages.

The hotel’s operations, including the reservation system, elevators, and dining establishments, rely heavily on uninterrupted electricity supply. Initially, there was consideration for installing a diesel generator in the basement, a nod to the building’s fossil fuel legacy.

However, concerns arose due to the generator’s proximity to one of the hotel’s restaurants, its need for extensive ventilation due to fossil fuel combustion, noise issues, and inconsistency with the hotel’s luxurious ambiance. Farukh Aslam, CEO of Sinclair Digital, faced challenges with diesel generators in the past, noting their reliability issues during extended power outages and the difficulties in refueling due to adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the operational noise and CO2 emissions from diesel generators were at odds with Aslam’s vision for a durable and eco-friendly energy solution.

After previous collaborations with LG Electronics USA on various hotel systems, Aslam consulted with the team for a sustainable alternative. This led to the innovative implementation of the first UL924 lithium-ion energy storage system (ESS) for emergency backup, supporting critical systems like lighting, elevators, and stairway pressurization.

This pioneering step not only reflects The Sinclair’s commitment to sustainable energy but also marks a significant departure from traditional diesel-powered backups, aligning with the hotel’s vision of reducing utility costs while maintaining its heritage in the fossil fuel industry. Sinclair’s initiative serves as a beacon of innovation in the hospitality industry, demonstrating the feasibility of integrating sustainable technologies in a sector traditionally reliant on significant energy consumption.

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