“Our goal is to design and install a world-class cybersecure microgrid at Fort Belvoir and obtain an ATO, thereby demonstrating the value-add of the GridMaster control system. We believe this will further solidify IPERC’s position as the clear industry leader in cybersecure microgrid solutions.”
Dr. Darrell Massie, Founder and CTO of IPERC
IPERC (Intelligent Power & Energy Research Corporation), a leader in cybersecure, intelligent microgrid controls solutions for military and commercial applications, has announced they have been selected by the Department of Defense (DoD) to design and install a multi-megawatt cybersecure microgrid at Fort Belvoir, VA.
IPERC was competitively selected as a part of the FY16 Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) program. ESTCP funds demonstration projects of innovative technologies that have potential to improve DoD’s environmental performance, reduce operational costs and enhance and sustain mission capabilities.
Though it was reported that Dominion was originally reluctant to allow such a large customer generate their own electricity, IPERC insists they were a strong ally in the project.
In addition to Dominion Virginia Power, project partners include AECOM, S&C Electric Company and Fort Belvoir to submit a detailed design built upon their highly successful GridMasterTM intelligent power control system.
Said Dr. Darrell Massie, Founder and CTO of IPERC, “We are extremely excited with this win. The team assembled for designing and building the multi-megawatt microgrid with state-of-the-art cybersecurity at Fort Belvoir is second to none. We look forward to commissioning this microgrid and making it a centerpiece of US Army installation energy strategy.”
Incorporated in this project are elements of existing and new infrastructure on Fort Belvoir, as well as advanced grid automation equipment and a Purewave® SMS-250 Storage Management System from S&C Electric Company. Working closely with Dominion Virginia Power, the local electric utility, the IPERC-led team analyzed the existing power distribution network, critical load requirements and required distributed generation assets to ensure optimal energy surety was provided via the proposed solution. IPERC further built a formidable design, construction and installation team, spearheaded by major engineering firm AECOM, thereby ensuring industry-leading expertise in all aspects of their project plan.
The innovative microgrid deploys IPERC’s industry-leading cybersecurity architecture in close collaboration with the Fort Belvoir Network Enterprise Command (NEC) to ensure complete systems integration and security. The design builds upon a similar IPERC architecture at Camp Smith, Hawaii, which earlier this year was the first DoD microgrid control system to receive formal Authorization-ToOperate (ATO). This ATO is a “Type” Accreditation, which allows for reciprocity of the accreditation package for IPERC microgrids in other organizations and services within the DoD. This status greatly streamlines the process for obtaining ATOs and uniquely positions IPERC to offer US Military installations an accredited cybersecure control solution for microgrids that can be delivered faster and more cost-effectively than systems from any other designer or vendor in the industry.
