PRIMO ENERGY, INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF211-CSO1

Description

Wind turbine systems can contribute significantly to the energy independence of military installations and communities by offsetting requirements for fossil fuels, typically imported at a high cost, to generate power in remote locations isolated from regional energy sources. The wind combined with solar power in a way that minimizes the footprint of the system is the most ideal for an efficient and resilient operations outpost. Large wind turbine systems require cranes and foundation materials that are not widely available in undeveloped countries and austere environments, as the cost to trench and run hard wire is time-consuming and expensive. Solar-only solutions are one-dimensional and have limited output hours. Additionally, unstable soil conditions constrain turbine construction opportunities. With fossil fuel generation, logistics are a major concern and fuel transport adds a layer of strategic liability that hinders the United States military. Small hybrid renewable solutions can mitigate these challenges. Primo Wind will provide resilient, clean, and low-maintenance power to military installations and expeditionary missions with logistical ease. Primo has over 200 units around the world to help save money and energy. The military sees microgrid development as a battlefield advantage for mitigating the risk of a grid attack. Primo Wind systems are an ideal solution for contributing to a strategic energy reserve that can be utilized in the event of a grid failure. The wind is critical to revolutionizing the movement towards the base of tomorrow.  With the smallest footprint of a combination of wind and solar power in a virtually mobile package. Primo Wind systems offer excellent power production at common Wind speeds.  Primo Wind’s patented 9 blade rotor meets the challenge that wind power is facing - how to produce usable power in wind speeds below 15 mph. This challenge is due to certain physical limitations of existing technology. Adding solar panels to our systems cuts down on the energy production intermittency typical of one-dimensional energy systems. The 1,200 Watt wind generator combined with two 200 Watts solar power-producing systems is the most efficient solution for keeping batteries charged (included energy storage), and in turn, available for rapid discharge and recharge.  Additionally, the whisper-quiet operation is an advantage over noisy diesel generators that can endanger the lives of Airmen by indicating their location.