GridBridge, Inc — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N152-098

Description

The implementation of microgrids at military bases will improve both security and energy management through expanding the use of renewables, while reducing the dependence on both diesel generators and grid connections for mission critical systems. GridBridge, a developer of advanced grid-based power management systems, will develop a miniature microgrid substation, the Grid Energy Router, to provide significant immediate flexibility and a platform for this microgrid network evolution. In the course of this overall program, GridBridge will develop a three-phase, bi-directional energy router that will serve as a power flow controller and be the cornerstone for advanced intelligent microgrids within Naval facilities. GridBridge plans to incorporate its experience in the single-phase bi-directional MV conversion and translate those successes into a three-phase, MV Energy Router for the Navy, with both three phase AC and DC connections. In Phase I of this project, the team will complete and demonstrate two critical hardware stages of the overall system, demonstrating three-phase, bi-directional power flow and control as a proof of concept for a more complex Phase II design. This modular deployable device will serve as as an expandable microgrid gateway and incorporating cutting-edge cybersecurity capabilities for the existing traditional power grid.