The objective of this project is to demonstrate that a microgrid can be implemented using commonly available industrial control products. The project will be implemented by the existing controls contractor at the demonstration site Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS)Beaufort to ensure seamless integration. This contractor specializes in building controls and is part of a well-established building controls ecosystem used extensively by the private sector across the Continental United States (CONUS). All Department of Defense (DoD) installations across CONUS have local access to this ecosystem and can implement microgrid functionality using existing hardware and software, with a local contractor of their choice that may already be active on their installation.

MCAS Beaufort has existing load shedding functionality implemented by raising heating, ventilation, and air conditioning setpoints and automatically starting a combined heat and power natural gas generator if needed. This functionality is implemented with building management system controls from the vendor Automated Logic Corporation (ALC). The project will utilize commercial off-the-shelf components from ALC to expand the load shedding functionality to add microgrid functionality at MCAS Beaufort. This project will add minimal hardware, programming, and features to the existing human machine interface.

This project can provide increased resilience, cost, and energy savings benefits to DoD. First, a larger quantity of vendors is available when compared to the existing number of “microgrid control” vendors. Next, installations with existing mature facility related control systems (FRCS) can leverage their existing infrastructure and controls vendors to implement microgrid controls more quickly and smoothly.  

Another potential benefit to installations with existing mature FRCS is that microgrid functionality can be implemented in smaller steps. As MCAS Beaufort is demonstrating, microgrid features can be added on the feeder level rather than across the entire installation. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2028)