Asia Pacific Research Initiative for Sustainable Energy Systems 2024 (APRISES24)
Abstract
Under a series of grants from the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the Hawai#i Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) at the University of Hawai#i at M#noa (UH) has conducted research, development, testing, and evaluation across a range of alternative energy technologiesand has actively engaged in the development of technologies and methodologies supporting the design and implementation of reliable,resilient grid systems in locations of interest to DOD.The work proposed in APRISES24 continues select efforts from the previous awards but, as initiated with the 2023 award, places signficant emphasis on efforts intended to support the design and implementation of reliable, resilient grid systems in locations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The proposed work comprises four major tasks summarized briefly, as follows:Task 1: #Program Management and Outreach# funds HNEI management of the in-house research and supports the monitoring of work conducted by external service providers and subcontractors. This task also serves to ensure that the variousprogram activities remain relevant to ONR and other Department of Defense organizations. Task 2: #Alternative Fuels# proposes work in two new areas. The first focuses on alternative fuel supply issues with the intent of supporting broader development of alternative fuels for both Hawaii and DOD use. The second activity will expand the ongoing evaluation of hydrogen as a transportation fuel,to include other alternative fuel sources, including but not limited to emerging electrofuels technologies, for microgrid or tactical applications. Task 3: #Resilient Energy Systems# comprises three subtasks focused on development and deployment of reliable and resilient energy systems. The increase from two to three subtasks reflects the end of HNEI#s HNEI#s Asia Pacific Regional Energy System Assessment (APRESA) program in May 2025 and the continuation of key APRESA activities under subtask 3.2 (APRESA). Under Subtask3.1 HNEI proposes to continue development of enabling technology and methodologies focused on the integration of new technology andreliable control at the grid edge. Subtask 3.2 will again focus on the development of methodologies and support to implement energysystems with improved reliability and resilience, in Hawai#i and at other locations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. A key aspect of this work will be use of Molokai as a model site for validation of advanced dynamic modeling to enable advanced control strategies in complex microgrids with high penetration of renewable generation. This task will also explore the potential for the use of AI for grid design, operations, and maintenance. Subtask 3.3 APRESA, will continue the high value projects initiated under the ONR program of the same name ((N00014-17-1-2923).Task 4: #Advanced Heat Exchanger Development# will, via subaward to Makai Ocean Engineering, continue research to develop cost effective production of advanced heat exchangers, utilizing the novel laser welding system developed by Makai Ocean Engineering. The major goals of the proposed FY24 effort are to develop new methods to improve the consistency of plate fabrication for the heat exchanger through real-time monitoring of the weld environment and to develop concepts for cost-effective housings and efficient processes to assemble the units.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 10, 2025
- Source ID
- N000142512297
Entities
People
- Richard Rocheleau
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Hawaiʻi System