The objective of this project is to demonstrate a full-scale electric power microgrid system at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The Secure Network of Assured Power Enclaves (SNAPE) builds on existing technologies with a new way to control generators and other power sources. It also prevents the microgrid from being a victim of cyber attacks over the internet. SNAPE will benefit the Department of Defense (DoD) by improving power reliability, decreasing electric bills, and lowering the costs to install a microgrid on military bases.

SNAPE is based on the Assured Power Enclave concept pioneered by Honeywell and PowerSecure. Existing components and communications protocols are configured in a novel way to reduce risks and costs. Capabilities already proven in full-scale microgrid systems include intelligent peak shaving, a cluster-based architecture, ancillary services leveraging, renewable decision making, energy storage, vehicle energy management, and integrated building energy management systems. The new and novel concepts to be demonstrated by this project include:

• Multiple Secure Enclaves that operate independently with local controls, but also cooperate automatically during outages to improve power stability, availability, and efficiency.
• A new cyber security strategy that segregates communication networks needed for fast, real-time control for synchronization and stability from those used for external control signals and monitoring. The new approach will minimize the cyber certification burden and reduce the network “attack surface.”
• Grid frequency and load sharing will be set within each enclave through active controls, but load sharing between interconnected enclaves will be through droop control and not require communication. This approach will solve stability challenges encountered with other microgrid frequency control approaches.

SNAPE will enable use of an existing 5.65 MW Central Plant that is currently not usable during outages. It is a “stranded” asset that cannot currently be used for energy surety or security. New generators will be installed with switchgear and controls necessary for multiple enclave cooperation. The new system approach is fully scalable and replicable and leverages past experience with military base microgrids—fast demand response, renewable integration, on-site generation, energy storage, and bi-directional electric vehicle fleet enterprise management. As installed at Fort Bragg, SNAPE is expected to have a simple payback of 4.2 years based on a reasonable set of assumptions including power purchase agreements with the electric service provider. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2021)