Reliable, high-quality electricity is required to support all functions of Department of War (DoW) installations. However, today’s aging civilian and military electrical grids are based on old concepts, designs, and technologies and are pushed to the limits of their operation. As installations and tactical platforms increasingly depend on sensitive electronics, advanced communication systems, and power electronics-based equipment, poor power quality (PQ) can severely impair mission capability, compromise system performance, degrade equipment lifespan, and damage equipment. The Grid Utility Assurance for Reliable Distribution (GUARD) demonstrates an innovative grid-edge power electronics based technology that is retrofitted into existing systems and dynamically optimizes to mitigate poor power quality at its source.

The inductive-energy-storage distribution static synchronous compensator (IDSTATCOM) is a grid-edge power electronics-based PQ compensator. It introduces three key innovations: inductive energy storage for long service life, a power electronics converter that interfaces robust inductors with the electric utility grid, and model predictive control for enhanced flexibility and rapid dynamic response. Together, the hardware and control system enable the IDSTATCOM to continuously supply or absorb reactive power and mitigate harmonic distortion, dynamically optimizing PQ in real time. Other commercial solutions are not adjustable and cannot dynamically adapt or they use capacitors and electromechanical switches that wear out. This project will quantitively evaluate the effectiveness of the IDSTATCOM at a DoW installation by comparing improvements in PQ metrics against baseline performance. The project will also develop training materials to raise awareness and educate installation personnel on the impact of poor PQ at their facilities. Success will be measured by the tool's ability to meet or exceed Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, International Electrotechnical Commission, and military power quality standards.

PQ is critical because reliable and consistent electricity is essential for the proper functioning of military equipment, from communication systems and weapons to critical infrastructure, as well as in critical situations where even momentary power disruptions could have significant consequences. However, the Department is experiencing increasing PQ issues that impact installation operations. GUARD provides tools to identify and mitigate PQ issues. Moreover, the integration of PQ compensation technology can enhance the performance and reliability of sensitive military equipment, such as communications and surveillance systems, which are particularly vulnerable to power fluctuations. By ensuring high-quality, stable power, GUARD protects against disruptions that could delay or compromise missions. It can also prevent energy waste, maintenance labor inefficiencies, premature equipment aging, and utilities imposing cost penalties from poor power factor and harmonic distortion. Also, the integration of PQ compensation technology supports the resilience of microgrids, which are essential for energy security, particularly in remote or hostile environments. These systems are crucial to ensuring that military installations can operate independently of external power sources during emergencies or grid disruptions. GUARD will inform installation stakeholders of PQ problems, demonstrate a solution that is retrofittable to avoid costly infrastructure replacement and leverage economies of scale from civilian dual-use. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2028)