Directed Energy Research

Abstract

Legislation, Executive Orders (EO), and SECNAV Guidance direct DoN to reduce fossil fuel use and increase renewable energy use. This guidance includes the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which directs agencies to reduce energy intensity 30% by 2015, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2010, which directs DOD to source 25% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025, EO13514, which directs DOD to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, and SECNAV energy goals, which direct that 50% of DoN's energy come from alternative sources by 2020. Further, studies by the Defense Science Board and others have stressed the dangerous reliance of DOD on vulnerable grid power and unreliable imported oil. Currently, the Navy has limited options for producing energy from renewable sources. Private industry and other federal agencies are developing and testing new technologies. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) and other ocean energy technologies have potential to alleviate current Navy island installation dependence on fossil fuel, at comparable costs to projected fossil energy sources. Also, advanced energy management systems have potential to increase installation energy security and enable broader use of renewable energy sources. Because of unique mission and aggressive time frames, testing and demonstration under Navy oversight would facilitate deployment throughout the DoN more quickly than a purely passive approach. This Energy RDT&E Project will test, evaluate, and validate components as well as demonstrate cost-effective and technical viability of energy efficiency and renewable energy prototypes. All efforts will be coordinated across DOD and with other agencies as appropriate. Specifically, this project aims to pursue two areas of testing and evaluation: a. Renewable Ocean Thermal Energy Deployment and Testing: This project will test and validate OTEC components and deploy, test, evaluate, and assess cost-effectiveness and environmental impact of OTEC prototype designs for deployment at Naval installations. It will also support feasibility evaluation of new energy sources for use at Naval installations, as well as test components and prototypes of other ocean energy technologies with potential for widespread applicability to energy security and renewable energy requirements. b. Demonstration and Validation of Alternative Energy, Energy Efficiency and Advanced Grid Management Technology: This project will support the testing, demonstration, validation, and application of innovative facility energy efficiency and alternative energy technology. In addition, it will support demonstration and validation of advanced electric grid management systems, known as "Smart Grid" technology, for use at Naval installations to enable improved energy security.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2012
Source ID
0928_0603724N_4_1319_PB_2012

Tags

Readers

  • Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Engineering.
  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy

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