A Standards Based, Open-Architecture, Ruggedized Tactical Microgrid Controller

The Army is addressing a technical challenge of constrained data interface to vendor supplied equipment, to integrate Energy Storage (ES) and tactical Energy Assets (EA) to improve fuel efficiency and reduce wear. The Phase I effort will investigate the feasibility of developing a ruggedized Intelligent Power Management Controller (IPMC) which will act as (a) an Universal Data Integration Gateway to any vendor supplied EA/ES, and (b) an Automation Supervisory Controller to achieve the Army"s objectives in tactical Microgrid configurations. The firm is proposing to leverage their extensive experience in advanced industrial and electric grid automation technologies for this project. Three innovations are proposed: a) industrial best practices applied to the military application, b) Standards based communication protocols for data integration, and c) a modern digital control scheme. Anticipated benefits include lower product cost, ease of use, open architecture, standardization and low learning curve. Proposing team includes personnel from Battelle, top non-profit R & D organization with extensive experience in developing solutions for national security applications. The team has capabilities to develop a practical and innovative IPMC solution that will reduce the technology risk and time-to-deployment. The firm estimates excellent dual-use market potential and intends to commercialize IPMC through its energy technology business.