Web Page sponsor Merlin Power Systems Ltd.
For further information please contact: Merlin Power Systems, Unit 4 Cabot Business Village, Holyrood Close, Poole, Dorset BH17 7BA, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 (0) 1202 697979 Web: www.merlinpowersystems.com
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21 Jan 13. The United States DOD has a strong interest in improving energy security through microgrid technology, stemming from its heavy reliance upon all forms of fossil fuels—often imported from regions of the world hostile to U.S. interests. Indeed, the DOD’s efforts may be the strongest driver for the overall microgrid market today, especially in terms of control technology for these smart grid networks based on a bottoms-up distributed model for the U.S. military’s operational and tactical deployments of microgrid technology. According to a new report from Pike Research, a part of Navigant’s Energy Practice, the total capacity of DOD microgrids will surpass 600 megawatts (MW) by 2018, a 50 percent increase over 2012. Many Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and other military-related facilities already have legacy microgrids in place. What is new is that these facilities are looking to envelop entire bases with microgrids and integrate renewable distributed energy generation (RDEG) onsite. When capable of safe islanding from the surrounding grid, RDEG offers the ultimate energy security, since there is no need to transport fuel to generate power. The report, “Military Microgrids”, examines the growth microgrids for three Department of Defense microgrid sectors: stationary bases, forward operating bases, and mobile systems. Along with forecasts through 2018 for each of the three primary sectors, the report also includes forecasts for stationary renewable integration and demand response microgrids, as well as solar photovoltaic systems deployed by the DOD. In addition, key industry players in systems integration, microgrid systems control and integration, and microgrid components are profiled. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Pike Research website. (Source: Yahoo!/BUSINESS WIRE)
25 Jan 13. GE installs upgraded Integrated Platform Management Systems on RFA ships. GE’s Power Conversion has started installation of the upgraded integrated platform management system (IPMS) onboard the UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s (RFA) fleet tankers. The technology enhancement will extend the operational life and performance of the IPMS equipped onboard the two ships, RFA Wave Knight (A389) and RFA Wave Ruler (A390), for the UK Royal Navy. GE’s Power Conversion business naval service manager Barry Carr said updating the current IPMS systems would enable RFA to access latest technology that is compatible with future changes in the ships’ capability. The IPMS life extension will assist the two RFA ships to maintain essential at-sea supply capabilities, while supporting the navy’s global maritime missions. Enabling effective performance of the ships’ basic functions, the IPMS offers machinery control and surveillance, damage surveillance and control, electrical power management and replenishment at sea (RAS) capabilities. (Source: naval-technology.com)
24 Jan 13. HMS Vengeance first of class to receive new electrical power conversion system. A new alternative system to traditional motor generators for electrical power conversion is to be installed on HMS Vengeance during the current Long Overhaul Period and Refuel (LOP(R)) being undertaken by Babcock, in a first-of-class project that follows some four years of development and planning. The decision to undertake this first embodiment on Vengeance was taken by the MoD In-Service Submarines (ISM) team in late November 2012, and installation commenced this month (January). The project is part of a programme to install Main Static Converters (MSCs) to replace the motor generators (MGs), an essential part of the onboard electrical power system, o