generation technologies

sources can be used to deliver high-quality, reliable, AC power in a
microgrid, which has some measure of “stiffness” to handle a range
of load variability and “spikiness.”
There is a growing need to ensure the compatibility between the
electric service supply system and the end-user equipment. In today’s
distribution systems tiny electric supply disturbances can generate
large problems.
Electric service transient phenomena, often lasting less than a few
milliseconds, are nothing new and they rarely affected older equipment.
However, present-day delicate computer chips with microscopic
wiring are less tolerant to electricity supply power quality problems.
The problems can result in burned-out equipment and scrambled data,
and could render military electronics-based control and communications
systems inoperative.
Last year, the NAC, along with a representative from the Air Force,
teamed up with NextEnergy, a Detroit-based non-profit organization
focused on alternative energy such as distributed generation and
alternative fuels. The goal is to develop an Advanced Mobile Microgrid
Power Grid concept with the following system characteristics:
» The system shall interface with a wide range of both AC and
DC distributed power generation technologies.
» The microgrid must be ready for deployment to any location in
the world within 48 hours.
52 EnErgyBiz magazinE November/December 2005
The prototype shall be modular in
construction, with an aggregate rating up to
1,500 kilowatts and shall be installed at Selfridge
Air National Guard Base (SANGB). It will
be rigorously tested to demonstrate that it
meets the intended application requirements
for both stand alone and grid-parallel operating
modes.
Power output must be of high quality for
the operation of sensitive digital equipment.
The military value of such a system is that
should traditional gensets fail in the battlefield,
all other sources of power could be
harnessed to supply emergency power.
As our vehicles, through further improvement
of electric-hybrids, become increasing
electrified, they en masse could be gathered Dr. C.G. Michael Quah
to provide high quality emergency power on
the battlefield or in civilian emergencies. Such hybrid vehicles could
contribute to emergency power in a variety of emergencies.
The system will be completed by the summer of 2007.
Ralph J. Ferraro, NextEnergy consultant, is project manager
for the Advanced Mobile MicroGrid Power System development
program. Dr. C.G. Michael Quah joined NextEnergy in 2004 as vice
president and chief technology officer.