Energy security for naval facilities is of strategic importance. Energy security is characterized by the ability to supply critical loads reliably, indefinitely, economically, and in an environmentally friendly manner (sustainably), which enables full-time mission support.

Combining renewable resources and, specifically, the emerging technology of photovoltaics (PV) with a battery storage system is considered a proven approach to providing energy security and serves as the basis of this research.

Most design tools available focus on the design of grid-tied or hybrid renewable power systems. The development of a user-friendly design tool for accurately sizing a stand-alone power system to meet the critical load demands of a naval, commercial/industrial, or even a residential facility is presented in this research. The tool complies with both Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standards 1562 and 1013. In addition to these guidelines, the developed tool considers important factors that both standards should address in their future revisions.

Several case studies, which were simulated using a Simulink model based on the outputs of the design program, validate the design software. Finally, we successfully conducted 24-hour laboratory experiments, the results of which confirmed the simulations as well as the accuracy of the sizing methodology; this is a feature that many sizing programs lack.

About the author
LTJG Petros Siritoglou is a Greek naval officer and a student in the Electrical Engineering Department of the Naval Postgraduate School. Contact Dr. Giovanna Oriti at goriti@nps.edu for more information about this research.