Date of Award

3-23-2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Christopher M. Stoppel, PhD.

Abstract

The U.S. government is involved in contingency operations all over the world and these operations require operational support and sustainment in these locations; this includes the reliable delivery of power to base infrastructure. The traditional means of delivering this support requirement in austere environments has been the use of diesel-power generation that has an extensive logistical and economic tail. The research sought out contingency solar applications that may be implemented and operated to offset the facility demand loads in the location to achieve net-zero power. This research explores the technical feasibility of a deployable photovoltaic microgrid to deliver power to a contingency location. The research evaluates the systems potential power performance in six locations throughout the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) using probabilistic simulation modeling techniques. The results showed that there is a potential for photovoltaic microgrids to drastically reduce the demand of contingency shelter systems. The research established recommendations for extensive field testing based on the feasibility of said systems to drastically reduce the demand of shelter systems in contingency locations.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-17-M-237

DTIC Accession Number

AD1055272

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