with the equipment, this project is help- ing determine how the Army and DoD can institutionalize micro-grid technolo- gies operationally. Using micro-grids will add discipline in how we power forward operating bases and other outposts, and will help reduce the number of supply convoys traveling to remote areas.
AMMPS IN AFGHANISTAN
Ranging in size from 5 to 60 kilowatts (kW), Advanced Medium Mobile Power Sources are 21 percent more fuel-efficient on average than the TQGs currently deployed to Afghanistan. Pictured is a 5 kW AMMPS generator. (U.S. Army photo.)
automatically powers or shuts off the gen- erators based on that need.
From August to December 2011, the micro-grid operated 24/7 without any power disruptions. The same base oper- ating on TQGs would have experienced power losses totaling approximately 900 hours as generators were pulled off-line for scheduled maintenance. In contrast, micro-grid generators are cycled for main- tenance during periods of low power demand without incurring any disruptions. After operating the micro-grid successfully for four months, PM MEP transitioned it to USFOR-A personnel, who continue to operate the system at Bagram.
The final metrics on the 1 MW micro- grid’s performance, measured by the U.S. Army Materiel Systems Analy- sis Activity, showed 18 percent fuel savings, 86 percent maintenance man-hour savings, and 100 percent power availability, compared with the 13 TQGs.
REMOTE REQUIREMENTS By collecting reliable data on system performance and familiarizing Soldiers
PM MEP recently deployed a new tech- nology to Afghanistan aimed at smaller outposts away from forward operating bases, where the power requirement is too small for a grid with multiple gen- erators. In partnership with the Rapid Equipping Force, PM MEP is supplying several of these locations with a hybrid solution consisting of a TQG, solar pan- els, and energy storage capability through a battery bank.
Essentially, the captured solar energy is used until the power supply is running too low, which triggers the generator to fire up and recharge the battery until the solar capability can resume. This pro- vides continuous power, a quiet option for silent watch periods, and enough fuel savings to reduce resupply missions from once or twice per week to once every two weeks. We have deployed 28 of these systems and will factor the performance results and user feedback into the path ahead for tactical power.
The Network Integration Evaluation 12.2 in May will test-drive a standard- ized
solution to power a company
command post, which is a key Army effort to bring increased network connectivity and mission command systems down to the company level. The PM MEP system under evalu- ation includes a 10 kW power plant (two 10 kW generators on a Light Tactical Trailer), a 15 kW AMMPS gen- erator, and an Improved Environmental Control Unit.
LTC MICHAEL E. FOSTER is DoD’s Product Manager Medium Power Sources. He holds a B.S. in criminal justice from Western Carolina University, an M.S. in human relations from the University of Oklahoma, and an M.A.
We will continue to refine this combination after obtaining Soldier feedback on its performance in a realistic operational environment.
CONCLUSION The requirement for power will never cease in all theaters of operations, as our sophisticated communications technol- ogy cannot function without it.
As it develops the solutions to power the next generation of networked mission com- mand solutions, PM MEP will continue to blend its generator fleet with capabilities that will lessen requirements for fuel and simplify operations for the user.
PM MEP will hold its fifth annual user conference for power professionals from across the services May 8-10 in Orlando, FL. The theme is “Operational Energy to the Warfighter.” Go to
http://peoc3t.army. mil/mep for details.
PAUL RICHARD is DoD’s Deputy Proj- ect Manager Mobile Electric Power. He holds a B.S.
in mechanical engineering
from West Virginia University, an M.S. in engineering management from the George Washington University, and an M.S. in national resource strategy from the Indus- trial College of the Armed Forces. He is Level III certified in program management and in systems planning, research, develop- ment, and engineering.
in procure-
ment and acquisition management from Webster University. He is Level III certi- fied in program management and in test and evaluation.
ASC.ARMY.MIL 11
ACQUISITION
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