military smart grids and microgrids conference

Using storage as a microgrid resource supports sustainability initiatives, efficient use of fossil-fueled resources, enhanced power quality, and supplements both wind and photovoltaic assets. For military applications, the major components of a microgrid are already on site, but additions could include installation of controls, switchgear upgrades and interconnections.īattery energy storage allows energy managers to store and use energy on-demand. By not having to rely solely on a larger regional grid that may be more averse to compromises, on-base missions can continue uninterrupted.Įnergy controls act as the “brains” of a microgrid, allowing power from back-up diesel or natural gas generators to be dispatched intermittently when renewable power is unavailable.

These smart controls are key to integrating renewables such as solar and wind, which are highly variable and slightly unpredictable due to their reliance on weather conditions.įor military facilities that must be “always on,” microgrids can provide physical security and protection against cybersecurity risks. Many operate under a consolidated “smart” control and energy management system, which is able to analyze resources and control load/generation, optimizing resources in real-time and providing predictive analytics for maximum efficiency. They are able to operate in parallel with, or islanded from, the local grid. Microgrids are integrated systems of multiple power generation sources and electric loads and can include renewable energy, fossil power and energy storage. Proper design and configuration, including integration of existing assets, will also be key to meeting project goals. Successfully installing microgrids will require a comprehensive understanding of impacts to the local grid, energy controls and a combination of economic factors. According to a recent study by The Pew Charitable Trusts, implementing these energy solutions at DOD facilities could save up to $1 billion annually. Perhaps the most significant of all microgrid benefits is the impact to energy costs. Microgrids bolster energy security because they can produce and distribute electricity and operate independently from the larger power grid. They enable greater deployment of distributed energy resources such as renewable energy, including solar photovoltaic, wind, and battery storage-all of which can provide sustainable power and can help reduce greenhouse gasses. A recent study by Navigant Research found that DOD’s microgrid investments are expected to reach $1.4 billion a year by 2026. As the nation’s largest consumer of energy, the Department of Defense (DOD) is also becoming one of the most visible adapters of microgrid technology. Microgrids and the greater integration of distributed energy resources continue to gain traction throughout the United States and globally.

Military smart grids and microgrids conference