The microgrid will meld existing and planned power infrastructure, such as a new circuit that will connect the wind turbine located on the base. The project will also connect the soon-to-be-completed solar panel array currently under construction.
The base's existing wind turbine, acquired and managed by the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, has been in operation since 2009 and has been doing a great job off-setting the energy costs associated with the Installation Restoration Program and its environmental cleanup efforts. The turbine currently functions independent of the base power system but the microgrid will bring the added value of wind power into the mix.
Several years ago, at the request of the wing, the EPA funded a feasibility study performed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to see what options were available for conservation here at Otis. The result was a recommendation to build a solar field on the now closed landfill which is currently managed by the IRP. The project will involve the installation of a solar array that will be purchased, built, and maintained at no cost to the government. A developer will assume all costs and the base will purchase the inexpensive electricity the array produces. When the project is completed, the array will also be tied into it.
The third piece of the project is the installation of a high capacity storage battery. The massive battery will provide the capability to store excess power on still or cloudy days during times when the turbine or solar array isn't as effective. The battery will enhance the strength of the system, providing a stable power source, alleviating the havoc caused by brown outs during high-usage periods.
With the mission requirements at the wing, a consistent and stable power supply is vitally important. Should anything ever happen to the energy supply, a more than capable backup generator will stand ready to switch on instantly and protect from outages. The modern generator only requires some modifications to be incorporated into the system. When integrated, it will also be capable of charging the microgrid's storage battery.
The final piece, arguably the 'brains' of the microgrid, is a control system that will integrate all of the assets and allow for smart and automatic switching and routing of energy. As Major Shawn Doyle, project manager, points out, "with renewable energy you get many peaks and troughs. There are times when it isn't too windy or the sun isn't shining quite enough - accommodating the variable renewable input is what the control system is for." When all segments of the microgrid are tied in, it will be able to intelligently switch between the power sources to provide the stable energy in the most efficient way possible.
Now that the grant has been awarded, the great undertaking of planning can proceed. Electrical engineers and other experts from the 102nd Civil Engineer Squadron and Raytheon will join with their counterparts from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and others through ESTCP to design and implement the project over the coming months.
As ground is broken for the microgrid, many organizations will be relied on heavily for their expertise. The 102nd Civil Engineer Squadron heavy-equipment operators will clear trees, build a temporary road, and will complete some of the trenching work. The 212th Engineering Installation Squadron, proven experts in running communications cabling, will be called upon to complete the trenching required to connect the turbine to the base grid. When complete, underground cabling will link up to the developed portion of the base.
Once the cables reach that point, the Rhode Island-based Delta Company, 249th Engineer Battalion of the U.S. Army Reserves will take over, installing new poles and power lines. Experts in high-voltage, commercial-level power generation, this unit of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will play a critical role in the project's success.
With projects of this scale, there are always intangible benefits as it provides a great opportunity for the wing's power production specialists to work alongside their Army counterparts, learning the ins and outs of high voltage electrical work - something they don't get to do every day. This represents invaluable high-voltage prime power systems training, that will not only strengthen our civil engineering capability, but also provide for experience working in a joint service environment, learning the Army's methods.
When functioning at full capacity, the microgrid will allow the base to be self-sufficient in terms of power - a capability that represents a high-degree of security and it will accomplish it with 100% renewable energy. The dividends are undeniable. Cutting energy costs during a time when limited resources demand the military spend their dollars more efficiently and effectively.
The savings don't stop at the fiscal. The positive impact on our environment is huge. Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels by utilizing renewable energy sources such as the sun and wind will ensure the stress on the earth's finite resources are minimized. The project's location on Cape Cod, a region known for its natural beauty and ecology, is the perfect setting for the environmentally responsible project.
"Our military leaders recognize the security imperative of increasing the use of alternative fuels, decreasing energy use, reducing our reliance on imported oil, making ourselves more energy-efficient."
- President Barack Obama |
Earlier this year, the President signed an executive order mandating that all Federal departments and agencies ensure that 25% of the electric energy consumed comes from renewable sources. The microgrid will ensure that goal is not only met, but exceeded well before the required year of 2025.
Energy initiatives, like the microgrid project, are the right thing to do for our Airmen and our nation. Through increased operational efficiencies, research and design activities, and infrastructure investment, the Air Force and Air National Guard, will reduce its carbon footprint while accomplishing the mission.
The project is slated to start construction in 2017.