Fuel Efficient Forward Operating Base (FOB)

The technical approach to this project is to design and develop an improved, three-phase grid connect unit (GCU) capable of switching loads up to 100 kW. The GCUs would be used in a system architecture where they allow for groups of loads to be gathered under a single generator. When the overall sum of loads is low, both generators are not required to meet these loads. Traditionally, however, both generators are operated since there is no way to couple them. This leads to extra fuel consumption and wear-and-tear on the generators. The GCU is able to connect loads from the adjacent GCU and turn off the generator attached to that GCU. In this fashion, loads can be grouped together and migrated to be connected to a single generator which would then presumably be operating at a higher part-load ratio and therefore at a better efficiency. As the loads begin to increase again, the GCU would turn the generator back on and split the microgrid so that the individual generator would power the loads to which they are directly attached.