Eaton Demonstrates Long-term Resiliency With Microgrid at Fort Hood, Texas

Rhea-AI Summary

Eaton, in collaboration with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, demonstrated a microgrid at Fort Hood’s Robert Gray Army Airfield, showcasing its ability to function independently from the utility grid. Supported by grants from the U.S. Department of Defense, this microgrid optimizes sustainable power use without activating backup generators during testing. The advanced microgrid controller enhances operational resilience, crucial for military readiness. Eaton's 2020 revenues were $17.9 billion, with a focus on sustainable power management solutions across 175 countries.

Positive

• Successful demonstration of a microgrid at Fort Hood, enhancing military operational resilience.
• Microgrid operated without activating backup generators, showcasing efficiency in sustainable power use.
• Eaton's collaboration with military organizations highlights its commitment to critical infrastructure.

Negative

• None.

GOLDEN, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Power management company Eaton, in partnership with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL), and the Department of Public Works at Fort Hood, Texas, demonstrated a microgrid’s ability to operate Fort Hood’s Robert Gray Army Airfield independently from the utility grid. The effort is the result of grants Eaton received from the U.S. Department of Defense.

Eaton researchers led by Senior Principal Engineer Vijay Bhavaraju demonstrated the microgrid’s ability to seamlessly “island” itself from the grid and optimize the use of sustainable power and energy storage to minimize operation of the on-site backup generators. The generators never came on during the short demonstration.

“Eaton’s demonstration of long-term resiliency at a critical asset such as the Robert Gray Army Airfield is an important milestone for the implementation of resilient infrastructure at military installations,” said Bryan Farrens, senior manager, Government Programs, Eaton. “Air-strike training, for example, is a key mission that historically would be at-risk if there was a long-term loss of utility power. With this effort, we are proving that with intelligent controls, installations like Fort Hood across the military can rely more on sustainable resources such as solar to meet the resilience targets.”

Eaton’s microgrid controller leverages Eaton’s automatic transfer switches and recloser controller to island the Robert Gray Army Airfield from the grid. The microgrid uses the energy storage, backup generators, solar power, and uninterruptible power system to ensure the airfield continues to operate for a minimum of 14 days to meet Army Directive 2020-03 (Installation Energy and Water Resilience Policy).

Congressman John Carter, a key supporter for the program, stated, “As the representative of Ft. Hood, improving our nation’s military capabilities and readiness is a top priority. Eaton’s success with the microgrid is great news for Ft. Hood and I look forward to seeing it in action.”

Eaton’s advanced microgrid controller manages the safety of the power system with an integrated protection system that communicates at a high speed between the utility connection and the building controllers. This allows the system to minimize any downtime on an outage on the distribution line and protects the equipment and operators.

Eaton’s mission is to improve the quality of life and the environment through the use of power management technologies and services. We provide sustainable solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical power – more safely, more efficiently, and more reliably. Eaton’s 2020 revenues were $17.9 billion, and we sell products to customers in more than 175 countries. We have approximately 85,000 employees. For more information, visit www.eaton.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211122005297/en/

Jennifer Tolhurst, +1 (440) 523-4006

Source: Eaton

FAQ

What is Eaton's recent achievement at Fort Hood?

Eaton demonstrated a microgrid at Fort Hood's Robert Gray Army Airfield that can operate independently from the utility grid.

How does Eaton's microgrid contribute to military readiness?

The microgrid provides reliable, sustainable power, ensuring operational continuity during utility outages.

What financial support did Eaton receive for the microgrid project?

Eaton received grants from the U.S. Department of Defense to support its microgrid development.

What were Eaton's revenues in 2020?

Eaton reported revenues of $17.9 billion in 2020.

Which organizations partnered with Eaton on the microgrid project?

Eaton partnered with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center and the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory.