5 May 2025

Assessing a Mobile Microgrid to Support Electric Vehicle Charging Stations on Army Installations

Abstract: Supplying reliable, off-grid power is critical for transitioning the Army’s fleet to zero carbon emitting vehicles. At the same time, vehicle charging and mission support equipment may require increased electrical loads than currently experienced at Army installations. Other decarbonization initiatives require clean sources of energy. Using microgrids powered with renewable electricity generation systems is a viable, independent solution for powering electric vehicles. Yet, there is a need to fill information gaps in the performance of these systems for realizing sustainable and resilient energy. The goal of this project was to increase the Army’s energy resilience by reducing reliance on the utility grid by using a compact and mobile microgrid that functions as an EV charging station. In this study, a trailered, mobile microgrid that integrates solar panels, a diesel generator, and batteries is evaluated based on performance under varying conditions. The energy generation capabilities are documented and evaluated for capabilities for powering electric vehicles. The outcomes of this research are the advancement of energy resiliency and the addition of performance in temperate and cold regions to the knowledge base. It is also anticipated this research may be leveraged to facilitate power independence and further support decarbonization efforts.

20 Sep 2021

Integration of Autonomous Electric Transport Vehicles into a Tactical Microgrid: Final Report

Abstract: The objective of the Autonomous Transport Innovation (ATI) technical research program is to investigate current gaps and challenges and develop solutions to integrate emerging electric transport vehicles, vehicle autonomy, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging and microgrid technologies with military legacy equipment. The ATI research area objectives are to: identify unique military requirements for autonomous transportation technologies; identify currently available technologies that can be adopted for military applications and validate the suitability of these technologies to close need gaps; identify research and operational tests for autonomous transport vehicles; investigate requirements for testing and demonstrating of bidirectional-vehicle charging within a tactical environment; develop requirements for a sensored, living laboratory that will be used to assess the performance of autonomous innovations; and integrate open standards to promote interoperability and broad-platform compatibility. This final report summarizes the team’s research, which resulted in an approach to develop a sensored, living laboratory with operational testing capability to assess the safety, utility, interoperability, and resiliency of autonomous electric transport and V2G technologies in a tactical microgrid. The living laboratory will support research and assessment of emerging technologies and determine the prospect for implementation in defense transport operations and contingency base energy resilience.