Enhancing Army Combat Effectiveness and Survivability Through Microgrids

Summary

As the U.S. Army seeks to improve combat effectiveness and survivability, innovative energy systems are becoming more critical. This article outlines applications of the microgrids as they relate to U.S. Army Regulation (AR) 70-75, “Survivability of Army Personnel and Materiel” [1], survivability criteria and rapid deployment microgrid (Figure 1) successes in providing deployable power to maneuver units. Military applications benefit from microgrids, especially those that use renewable energy sources since they offer a constant, stable power supply in distant or hazardous areas. Although microgrids generate less than 0.3% of U.S. power, their capacity has grown, suggesting their rising relevance in energy resiliency. Microgrids are ideal for military facilities, forward-operating bases, and settings like disaster response, where the usual electricity grid might not be reliable. They are ready to go at a moment’s notice, can be adjusted to meet different needs, and can use various energy sources like solar panels and batteries. This flexibility meets the military’s survivability needs and supports the Army’s operational plans by offering energy autonomy and minimizing fuel supply and energy production logistics. This article also discusses the broader implications of military microgrid use, including integration with Army energy infrastructure, civilian implications, and integration challenges. It leverages recent successes of a test and evaluation of a Resilient Energy and Infrastructure (REI) microgrid work that was funded through U.S. Army Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I and II efforts. REI is one of few niche companies like BRG Energy, Bloom Energy, BoxPower, POMCube, EnSync Energy, Schneider Electric, and ENGIE using microgrid technologies, which improve the Army’s tactical capabilities, enhance survivability, and advance energy security goals.

Introduction

In an era where technology frequently decides military battles, dependable and efficient energy systems are crucial. Modern military operations include unmanned aerial vehicles and mobile command centers that need a reliable power source. These systems’ performance and dependability depend on energy supply stability and availability. Military forces have traditionally used massive, centralized power-generating systems, which are intense but logistically tricky and subject to interruption, especially in war zones. Due to this susceptibility, energy systems must be resilient and flexible to different and dynamic operating contexts.

Microgrids are transforming military energy resiliency in the face of these issues. Decentralized microgrids operate independently from the electricity grid. They smoothly incorporate diesel generators, solar panels, and batteries. Integration improves energy management and assures a steady power supply, which is essential for distant or hostile operations. Microgrids provide localized energy production and distribution, reducing the danger of transferring fuel over compromised channels and the logistical challenges of standard energy systems.

The combination of energy generation, energy storage, and logic for the multiple-input and multiple-output is compactly packed inside a 20-ft container (Figure 2). These cutting-edge microgrids use renewable energy, install quickly, and can scale to support a broad range of missions ranging from small unit operation centers to installation and utility scales. Notably, these systems fulfill the strict U.S. AR 70-75 survivability standards for military technology, which require systems to operate in artificial hostile situations and maintain operational capability under pressure.

Energy management control systems, also known as microgrids, provide dependable electricity to improve military operations. Solar power, diesel generators, and superior battery storage make up these systems and provide a strong and versatile energy solution that can meet military needs. This hybrid strategy improves operating efficiency and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, connecting military operations with environmental sustainability objectives.

Military energy policy is shifting toward energy autonomy and resilience as microgrids expand. As global military plans concentrate on minimizing logistical footprints and improving operational unit autonomy, microgrids are possible. They help manage resources sustainably and boost defensive capabilities by keeping essential systems independent of external power infrastructure.

As renewable energy technologies improve and sustainability becomes more important, military microgrid technology will increase. This shift toward robust, efficient, and environmentally friendly energy solutions in military plans is crucial. Microgrids are a strategic asset that will define the energy landscape of contemporary military operations, ushering in a new era of flexible, sustainable, and autonomous military energy management.

Background on Military Energy Needs

Military operations need a stable and constant energy supply for communication, observation, transport, and weapons systems. Military power systems have relied on diesel generators for centralized power production. Although durable and essential in technology, traditional systems have limits that might hinder military operational capabilities and adaptability.

Fuel is the main drawback of conventional military power systems, which may be logistically challenging. In war zones, hostile troops may attack fuel supply lines, causing disruptions. This vulnerability threatens military operations and gasoline transportation safety. Unscalable and inflexible centralized power-generating systems might be a significant problem in dynamic battlefields with frequently changing energy demands. These systems generate greenhouse gases and other pollutants, causing environmental damage. This violates stricter ecological regulations and limits military operations in vulnerable areas.

In response to these issues, the U.S. Army has set criteria to ensure that all military gear, including power systems, fulfills survivability requirements. The requirements outlined in AR 70-75 aim to improve the survivability of soldiers and equipment in dangerous combat settings. The rule defines Army system survivability as the capacity to escape or survive hostile threats without significant degradation.

Most specifically, AR 70-75 specifies the following key points [1]:

• Army systems must be rigorously tested and assessed for susceptibility and vulnerability in various operating circumstances prior to integration with humans.
• Systems must be built with intrinsic characteristics that limit susceptibility and increase their capacity to perform under unfavorable situations. Advanced materials, redundancy, and protection are needed.
• System survivability should be monitored frequently, especially when new threats and vulnerabilities arise, to maintain system functionality in changing circumstances.

Microgrids revolutionize military energy supply due to conventional power system limits and survivability AR requirements. Decentralized microgrids function independently from the electricity grid. They can combine solar and wind energy with diesel engines and battery storage to create a durable and adaptable energy infrastructure.

Quick deployment, scalability, and high durability in many environments are incorporated into these systems. Mission-critical applications in adverse settings must quickly adjust to power demands and continue operation. Microgrids that use renewable energy sources minimize fuel supply chain dependence, improving operational security and sustainability. Microgrids are suited for military applications that demand high-energy dependability and durability due to their independence from conventional supply lines and adaptation to different operating scenarios.

Military microgrid adoption is a strategic shift that solves conventional power systems’ shortcomings. Microgrids improve military units’ operating capability, resilience, and flexibility to current warfare conditions by meeting AR 70-75’s survivability standards. Microgrid technology will be crucial to military energy strategy in the future, making troops more capable, adaptable, and environmentally friendly.

Microgrids and the U.S. Army Regulation on Survivability

Microgrids improve military operating capabilities by providing resilient and dependable energy, which feed directly into the survivability of personnel and materiel (Figure 3). This rule establishes the survival requirements of the military system to ensure that technology works in hostile circumstances. The strategic relevance of microgrids in current military infrastructure is due to their resilience and agility.

AR 70-75 emphasizes the capacity to avoid or endure artificial hazards to safeguard Army people and equipment. Multiple factors make microgrids fit these requirements, such as the following:

• They offer resilience and redundancy by functioning independently of the primary grid to supply electricity even when conventional networks fail, which is valuable in war and disaster zones.
• Microgrids satisfy urgent energy demands on the battlefield or in temporary locations with quick deployment and scalability.
• Microgrids use renewable and conventional energy sources to minimize dependency on insecure fuel supply lines, improving operational security and sustainability.

Microgrid case studies demonstrate military microgrid efficacy. Forward-operating bases with high dependability and energy independence use microgrids. These technologies have kept command, control, communication, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities running amid grid disruptions. Military microgrids speed up communication and logistics in disaster zones, enabling successful response operations. Portable devices like microgrids may be deployed immediately, proving useful in uncertain circumstances.

Microgrids’ technological advantages complement the Army’s operational and survivability aims. They provide a safe energy supply that reduces sabotage and operational disturbance, preserving tactical advantages. They are flexible because they can incorporate solar panels and diesel engines and eliminate gasoline convoys commonly targeted in war zones, reducing the logistical footprint and improving crew safety.

Finally, microgrids meet AR 70-75 survivability requirements and revolutionize military operations. They improve operational effectiveness by delivering dependable, robust, and quickly deployable energy solutions for demanding conditions. As technology advances, they will increasingly be used in military strategic energy planning so they can function in various global circumstances.

Operational Benefits and Challenges of Microgrids

Benefits

Microgrids improve power supply stability and reliability, especially in distant or dangerous areas without regular energy infrastructure. In “island mode,” these sophisticated devices can sustain electricity independently amid grid outages or other disruptions. In remote military operations, steady power is needed for communication, observation, and operational continuity. Thanks to the convert-to-island mode, these vital tasks may continue regardless of power circumstances. Microgrid resilience and sustainability are greatly improved by adding renewable energy sources like solar and wind (Figure 4). Renewable energy is dependable and continuous, unlike fuel-based generators. In war zones or remote places where fuel distribution is difficult and risky, traditional sources frequently have supply problems. On the other hand, solar panels and wind turbines can create electricity whenever there is sunshine and wind, making them perfect for extreme situations.

Renewable energy technologies integrated into smart energy management control systems are effective. These systems optimize solar and wind power to reduce diesel and other fossil fuel use, thus reducing fuel transport and storage logistics and improving operational sustainability. Renewables in microgrids cut carbon emissions, satisfying environmental goals while meeting distant military operations’ tough needs. A forward-thinking energy management strategy, microgrids use renewable technology to ensure operational efficiency and sustainability in even the most demanding circumstances.

Using locally accessible renewable resources, microgrids lessen the logistical strain of transporting fuel, a typical conflict zone target. This logistical reduction reduces the danger of gasoline convoys and increases the military unit’s operating range. Units are less dependent on gasoline supply lines and more independent. Operational flexibility is beneficial in fast-shifting battlefields, where energy demands might change unexpectedly.

Challenges

Interconnecting microgrids with military infrastructure is complex. New microgrid technologies must work with older infrastructures not built for decentralized energy systems. The microgrid must coordinate with and augment the primary grid without disrupting power delivery during technological integration. Other logistical problems include installing microgrid components in distant or harsh areas, training workers to operate and maintain new systems, and maintaining a constant supply chain for parts and repairs.

Research and development are increasing microgrids’ plug-and-play capabilities to make them more compatible with current systems without significant retrofitting. Innovative grid technology and control systems improve microgrid efficiency and stability by integrating and managing varied energy sources. Research also focuses on developing robust management systems that automatically adapt to energy supply and demand and integrate with existing infrastructures. Advanced software in these systems can estimate energy demands, optimize resource utilization, and detect flaws before they cause difficulties.

Microgrids improve energy dependability and logistical savings; however, integrating them into military operations requires careful technical and logistical management. Innovation and research are needed to fully realize microgrids’ promise to improve military energy policies’ resilience and efficacy.

Broader Implications for Military and Civilian Use

Benefits

Military microgrid technology is advancing civilian energy management, notably resilience and operational continuity. Military microgrids provide consistent electricity even during total power outages, allowing important operations to continue. This island mode capacity is essential for military facilities and helpful for civilian infrastructure, particularly in natural catastrophe or power disruption-prone locations. Military microgrid technologies like renewable energy integration and sophisticated energy management systems may be used for civilian purposes. Hospitals, data centers, and emergency services in civilian sectors might benefit greatly from microgrid power security. This is especially important in locations where power outages may cause crucial service interruptions, potentially resulting in loss of life or considerable economic expenses.

Military microgrid resilience research also emphasizes system recovery and power maintenance, which might benefit civilian infrastructure seeking to reduce downtime and increase crisis response. Microgrids’ flexibility to renewable energy enhances social transitions toward sustainable energy solutions, matching with global environmental objectives.

Microgrids may improve electricity resilience in disaster-prone or distant civilian areas. Hurricanes, floods, and wildfires may affect the central power system in these locations. Even when the grid fails, microgrids can provide electricity locally. For example, a microgrid-equipped neighborhood can maintain essential services such as medication refrigeration, heating/cooling, and lighting during disaster recovery. In isolated regions, installing standard power infrastructure might be too costly or difficult. Microgrids localize energy generation using renewable sources like solar and wind, decreasing transmission infrastructure and fuel costs. This improves sustainability and gives places more control over energy supplies, possibly lowering energy expenditures.

Challenges

Despite its many advantages, microgrid integration into existing infrastructure presents technical and legal obstacles. Technically, microgrid systems must use advanced control systems and standards to work with current grid designs safely and efficiently. Advanced forecasting and management techniques are necessary to enhance microgrid performance, particularly in systems integrating many renewable energy sources. Existing laws and regulations that do not fit microgrids’ decentralized structure create regulatory hurdles. Policy changes that promote microgrid integration, renewable energy consumption, and microgrid technology investment are needed to address these issues. These modifications would benefit military sites and improve the reliability and sustainability of civilian electricity networks.

Military-driven microgrid technology growth will impact civilian energy systems globally. Adopting and adapting these modern energy technologies may boost civilian resilience, minimize environmental impact, and increase energy security and dependability. Research and development will likely decrease the gap between military breakthroughs and civilian uses, enabling microgrid adoption and a more robust global energy environment.

Conclusions

The revolutionary significance of microgrid technology in military and civilian situations has been thoroughly discussed. Military microgrids improve operational efficiency and energy resilience and provide a model for civilian infrastructure, especially essential or sensitive sectors. Military activities benefit from robust, dependable, and secure microgrids. They can operate outside the grid, maintaining power supply even under extreme situations. This is crucial in military settings where energy demands are high and may change rapidly from operational conditions or tactical requirements. Microgrid solutions demonstrate this progress. These systems provide rapid deployment and scalability for military tasks and incorporate renewable energy sources, lowering fuel use and improving sustainability.

Military-grade microgrids provide equally solid civilian advantages. Hospitals, emergency response services, and data centers may be more resilient using microgrids for natural disasters and other emergencies. Microgrids can provide energy independence and stability to distant and disaster-prone communities, improving their quality of life and economic possibilities. Microgrids promote renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, achieving environmental and financial objectives. This supports global sustainability and helps localities find greener energy options. Microgrid implementation is complex despite its many benefits. Innovation and research are needed to integrate these technologies with grid infrastructures, manage renewable energy outputs, and ensure system dependability. Current energy regulations and market systems generally do not promote microgrids’ decentralization, creating regulatory issues. Policymakers, industry leaders, and scientists must work together to build a regulatory climate that supports microgrid technology progress.

Microgrids will become more critical in military and civilian energy strategy. As the technology evolves and its advantages are realized, more military and civilian establishments may embrace microgrid systems. This will boost operational resilience and ensure a sustainable energy future. Future military defense policies prioritize energy autonomy and operational flexibility, making microgrids vital. Military applications may teach civilians how to improve catastrophe resilience and emergency management. Microgrids may become famous in local energy systems in locations without grid infrastructure, as the quest for more sustainable and resilient energy solutions continues. Energy democratization and localized energy governance may result from community microgrids providing residents authority over their energy resources.

Military and civilian energy management methods have advanced significantly with microgrids. By advancing this technology, society can improve energy security, sustainability, and resilience. Microgrids might transform energy production, management, and consumption across industries.

Note

This article includes recommendations based on the testing and evaluation of microgrid technology. This evaluation was conducted as part of U.S. Army SBIR Phase I and II efforts. Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by tradename, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. government or the Homeland Defense and Security Information Analysis Center (HDIAC). The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the U.S. government or HDIAC and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

References

1. U.S. Army. Survivability of Army Personnel and Materiel. AR 70-75, 8 March 2013.

Biographies

Andre Slonopas is a U.S. Army Cyber and Information Operations Officer and former Presidential Management Fellow, with a strong background spanning research, academia, and government. He has led significant software projects, authored numerous publications on cyber and hardware security, and is a committed advocate for the artificial intelligence and energy revolution. MAJ Slonopas holds a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the University of Virginia.

Ludovic Roche (“Ludo”) is the cofounder and innovator of retractable solar racking systems and patented ExoSolar to REI’s system-of-systems solutions set. He has 15 years of experience in business development, public relations, and product commercialization. He was previously senior vice president at Blumberg Capital Partners, where he developed a financial services distribution network across 35 countries, served on the group’s investment and asset management committees, and worked on international structures. Mr. Roche is fluent in English, French, and Spanish.