Energy Distribution
Abstract
The current paradigm of distributed generation for meeting the electrical needs of forward operating bases involves deploying numerous tactical generators of varying size and capacity in ways that often do not match capacity with demand. This mismatch between load and capacity reduces overall generator efficiency significantly and results in considerable waste in terms of fuel and logistics support. The Energy Distribution thrust will explore how emerging concepts in smart grid and energy management technologies combined with renewable energy sources, deployable energy storage technologies, and novel technologies for resource distribution can be developed for use in military forward operations. These efforts will contribute to improved overall energy efficiency and reduced logistics demands associated with fuel transport to forward operating bases. This thrust will investigate technologies that reduce the dependence on traditional fuel sources and delivery methods, and increase fuel-efficiency to provide more flexibility to military assets in the field. Energy management modeling and design will be utilized to assess host-country resources (e.g. heating fuels, locally-grown biomass, unrefined fuels, waste, and other hydrocarbon rich materials), and advanced power generation technologies (e.g. fuel cells, renewable solar, wind, biofuels, etc.).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Source ID
- ba4dbf2d3fcd1f9eb679f377109652b5