Generator Power Recapture

CPI will develop a prototype system to demonstrate the feasibility of increasing the Air Force depot energy efficiency through the reuse of energy produced by testing generators to spin those same generators providing a final capacity of 1125 kVA at 900 kW.Novel circuitry will be developed to control commercially available motor drives to recycle the power generated including filtration circuitry will be developed to optimize the load seen by the generator.A working prototype will be demonstrated using a 208/120 volt, three phase, four wire 400 Hz commercially available aircraft generator, similar to those tested by the Air Force.Performance and efficiency improvements will be documented.A business case analysis will be performed to determine implementation cost, including ROI calculations.Required certifications for power recapture will be prepared.It is anticipated that reuse of energy produced by testing generators will result in savings of 90% of energy currently lost in load banks. Other energy savings will include reductions in waste heat removal at the depot. Additional anticipated benefits include noise reduction and smaller generator load footprint.Solutions for reuse of energy produced by testing generators is readily extended beyond the Air Force to other services and civilian aviation.