Parallel Operation of Compact, Efficient Turbogenerators for Robust Tactical Energy Independence

MSI proposes to develop a reliable control system that will electrically combine multiple 10 to 50kW turbo-alternators to create a stable 100 to 500kW micro-grid. The military needs to easily and reliably set up compact micro-grids for a variety of power-supply applications. The emergence of commercially available turbo-alternator products in the 10-50 kW range has created an opportunity to fill this important military need. Multiple micro-turbines will be operated only when there is an electrical demand. The turbines must start quickly, and immediately and automatically connect to the AC micro-grid. The problem is that currently available control technologies do not meet the requirements for such micro-grids. A Phase I goal is to demonstrate a practical method for reliably and efficiently “mechanically paralleling” micro-turbines. An equally important problem is that commercially available turbogenerators are not necessarily designed to withstand the mechanical loads that will be imposed by rapid mechanical paralleling. Therefore, a related Phase I goal is to evaluate changes required to turbogenerators to allow micro-grid operation. A successful Phase II project will conclude with a micro-grid demonstration by MSI and its subcontractor, Fairmount Automation.