DETROIT – NextEnergy, the U.S. Army Tank-automotive
and Armament Command/National Automotive Center in Warren and several
Michigan alternative energy technology partners are developing an Advanced Mobile Microgrid Power System that will let the Army and other US agencies deploy up to 1.5 MegaWatts of power to any location in the world within 48 hours.
Through the technical and administrative support of NextEnergy’s
Technology Collaboration’s business unit, a number of Michigan-based
alternative energy companies have been tasked with the execution of this
program. Ballard Power Systems’ Dearborn, Michigan facility is working to
design, procure, build and deploy the primary power electronics module for
the AM2GPS. Additional Michigan-based companies collaborating on the
project include Southwest Research Institute, NEXTEK Power Systems, Titan
Energy, NOVI Energy and Northern Electric Testing.
The AM2GPS harnesses power from conventional generating sources as well
as wind, solar photovoltaics, vehicles with exportable power capabilities,
fuel cells and other sources, for distribution across a select geographic
area. In the wake of a natural disaster, it enables essential human
services requiring power, including distilling and purifying water culled
from any source. In addition to the ability to provide relief as an
emergency power source during natural disasters, the AM2GPS can also offer
assistance in the aftermath of a homeland security incident and support
deployed military operations.
“Ground breaking R&D projects such as this represent a significant
investment by NextEnergy in elevating Michigan’s alternative energy
companies to lead the nation in transforming our energy economy,” said Max
Dorflinger, Project Manager, NextEnergy. “The Advanced Mobile Microgrid
Power System project really showcases the immense capabilities for advanced
alternative energy development here in the state.”
The AM2GPS project is scheduled for completion in December 2007.
