Ft. Bliss Microgrid to Employ PPS Energy Storage System

Princeton Power Systems (PPS) announces its Energy Storage System (ESS) will be used as a back-up source and energy resource for a new microgrid system at the U.S. Army's Ft. Bliss in Texas. PPS is the subcontractor to the microgrid system being developed by Lockheed Martin, who is leading the project. The Department of Defense (DoD) Environmental Security Technology Certification Program funded Lockheed Martin's microgrid demonstration and the energy storage technology provided by Princeton Power as part of DoD's Energy Test Bed initiatives on military installations.

The 20-foot containerized ESS provided by PPS consists of one 100kW Grid-tied Inverter (GTIB) and multiple advanced lead-acid batteries, capable of producing 20kWh's of energy. In the event of a power outage, the ESS provides enough energy to power the base, thus allowing it to function as an independent energy resource.

"Integration with energy storage and micro-grid technology is critical for providing security, reliability, and low-cost renewable energy both domestically and abroad," said PPS Applications Engineering Manager Alan Cohen.

In addition to seamless transition during grid failure, the ESS also provides valuable support services, including Power Factor Correction and Area Frequency Regulation services to the local electrical system operator while it is connected to the electric grid. It is the ESS' seamless transition and operational abilities that make it an ideal tool for this project, providing increased reliability and security to Ft. Bliss.

"We are happy to see real steps being taken to implement these policies, and to be part of the team making it happen," says COO Darren Hammell. The Ft. Bliss microgrid installation is being managed by Lockheed Martin, who is the prime contractor on the program.

Princeton Power Systems, founded in 2001, is a manufacturer of advanced power conversion products and alternative energy systems, with patented electronics that provide a more reliable and cost-effective means for converting electric power cleanly and efficiently. The company provides solutions for renewable energy, distributed power generation, and military applications.