CORNERSTONE RESEARCH GROUP INC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF192-061

Description

Hill Air Force Base (HAFB) faces high utility costs that are compounded by demand charges during peak hours. Large scale energy storage systems (ESS) with peak shaving capability have the potential to significantly reduce these demand charges and improve reliability during unexpected outages. However, several significant challenges must be overcome to implement an effective solution. First, the peak shaving capability is reliant on real time meter data which is currently being monitored but is not available for use in real time due to cyber security issues. Next, the system must be appropriately sized for HAFB’s actual demand profile and provide both peak shaving in summer and energy storage in winter to be cost effective and maximize the return on investment (ROI). Finally, although multiple large scale ESS types and chemistries are commercially available, a large number of recent ESS fire incidents from large scale battery manufacturers have led to the suspension of hundreds of ESS facilities. Each of these challenges (cyber security, cost effectiveness, and safety) must be overcome to present a compelling business case analysis (BCA) that provides HAFB and other AF sustainment centers with a safe, reliable energy storage and peak shaving capability that reduces operating costs.