Engineer Research and Development Center Celebrates US Army's First Hydrogen-Powered Nanogrid [View all]

Engineer Research and Development Center Celebrates US Army’s First Hydrogen-Powered Nanogrid

Fuel Cells Works | January 9, 2025

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. — In December 2024, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center unveiled a cutting-edge hydrogen-powered small microgrid, or nanogrid, at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. This innovative demonstration represents a team effort led by ERDC, partnering with the Directorate of Public Works Environmental Division at WSMR and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, known as DEVCOM, Army Research Laboratory Atmospheric Intelligence for Hybrid Power Advancements, or ARL AIHPA. Notably, this will be the first operational nanogrid of its kind in the Army.

A nanogrid is a small self-contained electric power system that can operate independently from the electric power grid, and it can supply power to improve resilience to potential power outages or to areas where there is no grid power. The nanogrid at WSMR uses renewable hydrogen fuel to replace traditional bulky, noisy diesel generators. It provides power to a surveillance camera system and meteorological weather equipment, supporting continuous, unattended operation in a remote off-grid location. The nanogrid enables this equipment to operate in the particular location where “silent watch” capabilities of hydrogen-powered generation are needed in a pristine environment.

“I am thrilled to demonstrate the Army’s first renewable energy nanogrid,” said Carol J. Bailey, project manager from ERDC's Construction Engineering Research Laboratory. "The hydrogen-powered nanogrid offers a carbon-free alternative that is both sustainable and effective for applications in extreme weather environments and sensitive cultural areas such as WSMR.”

WSMR serves as a test site for a wide range of military and civilian technologies, including missile testing, space launch operations, and scientific research. It is also home to various historical and environmental sites, making it a unique and significant location for military and research activities.

The nanogrid at WSMR, provided by Sesame Solar of Jackson, Michigan, integrates several advanced energy technologies into a compact, mobile system housed in a CONEX box...more
https://fuelcellsworks.com/2025/01/09/energy-innovation/engineer-research-and-development-center-celebrates-us-army-s-first-hydrogen-powered-nanogrid

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