NextEnergy Strengthens Michigan as a Leader in Alternative Energy Research and Development with Advanced Mobile Microgrid Power System

NextEnergy project, in conjunction with the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armament Command/National Automotive Center to provide on demand power anywhere in the world

DETROIT, Aug. 17 -- NextEnergy, Michigan's alternative energy accelerator, and its collaborators, the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armament Command (TACOM)/National Automotive Center and several Michigan alternative energy technology (AET) industry partners, are advancing Michigan as a leader in alternative energy technology (AET) research and development with the development of the Advanced Mobile Microgrid Power System (AM2GPS). The project, seeded with a Department of Defense grant, will allow government agencies and other entities to easily deploy mobile power control and conditioning assets capable of managing up to 1.5 MW 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."

Since receiving its original contract the AM2GPS project has celebrated numerous significant milestones including:

  *  issuance of subcontracts to NextEnergy's collaboration partners
  *  designation that the Selfridge Air National Guard Base (SANGB) in Mt.
     Clemens, Mich., will host the AM2GPS during its final "proof-of-
     concept" deployment
  *  initial performance modeling under varying generation and load
     conditions for the power electronics to be developed by Ballard Power
     Systems
  *  research performed by Southwest Research Institute's Michigan operation
     in the design of "smart" cable sets that will allow the AM2GPS to
     easily be connected to generation assets and loads that are available
     at the deployment location
  *  initial design of a DC network evaluation that will be performed by
     NEXTEK Power Systems to quantify electrical efficiencies achievable by
     eliminating the need to transform from AC to DC power at the point of
     usage
  *  an emergency power and support utilities equipment assessment that will
     be completed by Titan Energy and the commitment to develop a deployable
     system to address those needs
  *  a preliminary site reconnaissance evaluation for equipment installation
     performed by NOVI Energy
  *  generation and load characterization at SANGB performed by Northern
     Electric Testing in cooperation with the SANG technical staff.

  The AM2GPS project is scheduled for completion in December 2007.

  About NextEnergy Center

NextEnergy is a non-profit corporation founded to enable the commercialization of energy technologies that positively contribute to economic competitiveness, energy security and the environment. NextEnergy drives energy technology collaborations, market development, and new business venture support to position Michigan as a leader in the emerging alternative energy industry. For more information, visit http://www.nextenergy.org/ .