Quantifying Political Disruptions on Fuel Supply Chains and Military Microgrid Operations in West Africa
Abstract
This thesis addresses the challenge of ensuring resilient energy for Department of Defense (DOD)microgrids in politically volatile regions. It proposes an integrated model that assesses political risks, simulates fuel supply chain logistics, and evaluates microgrid systems using AnyLogic software. Utilizing AnyLogic and Global Terrorism Database insights, the study simulates disruptions over ten years, measuring power outages and availability in DOD microgrids. The results show that a diesel generator-powered military installation in Africa can benefit from over 10% increase in power availability and a decrease in the number of power outages and their duration when a military installation is supplemented with photovoltaic panels and battery storage systems, even under politically unstable conditions, as compared to a military installation solely reliant on diesel generators. Although installing photovoltaic panels and battery storage systems is subject to many conditions, such as space, maintenance availability, and funding, these findings highlight the need for robust energy solutions in volatile regions and provide a quantitative basis for strategic energy planning
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1225568
Entities
People
- Abigail E. Staffnik
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School