Monday, June 28, 2010

Honeywell Micro-Grid Technology to Help U.S. Army Lower Fuel Consumption and Costs

Honeywell recently announced  that it is developing emerging Micro-Grid technology to increase efficiency and reduce fossil fuel consumption in remote U.S. Army locations.

Honeywell's Micro-Grid technology system will be the first to bring modern-day technology currently used in developed cities, including solar power, to isolated Army locations," said Bob Smith, chief technology officer at Honeywell Aerospace. "Based on projections, the Army could realize fuel savings of up to 60 percent because of this system." 

The U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research Development Engineering Center (TARDEC) awarded Honeywell the cost-plus fixed fee $4.6 million contract for delivery, testing and demonstration of the Micro-Grid at Wheeler Air Base, Hawaii, for 18 months of performance with 12 months of operation and evaluation, beginning in September 2010

Utilizing this system will enable the Army to decrease the number or size – and in some cases, both – of generators needed. The Micro-Grid can also interface and control legacy generators. Additionally, it will provide electrical energy autonomy in remote locations and improve power availability.

The mobility of the Micro-Grid will help improve warfighter safety in remote locations because of reduced fuel consumption, which decreases the number of convoys needed. 

The Micro-Grid also minimizes power outages. The system enables load prioritization so if an overload occurs, rather than the entire generator shutting down, a lower priority load will be temporarily removed until adequate power is available. 

Advanced energy storage will build further capability to use renewable energy sources. Micro-grids, renewable energy and plug-in electric vehicles offer a unique solution to address both energy security and fossil fuel consumption reduction goals. 

Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Honeywell's aerospace business is a leading global provider of integrated avionics, engines, systems and service solutions for aircraft manufacturers, airlines, business and general aviation, military, space and airport operations.

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