Success Stories
NAVAIR Turns to Renewable Power for Lower Cost, Better Availability
Client:
U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)Challenge:
- Find better power source for SureTrak installations
- Increase power availability while reducing maintenance and other operating costs
- Operate in a range of rugged and remote environments
Solution:
- Shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy to run installations
- Implement SkyBuilt power stations
Results:
- New power stations are less expensive, more reliable and more resilient, both on and off the power grid.
- Fewer fuel convoys needed, and fewer personnel needed to protect them.
- Power stations pay for themselves in a few months to a few years, depending on availability of sun and wind.
The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) facility in Patuxent River, Md., needed new power sources for its SureTrak installations. SureTrak (PDF, 230KB) is used for tasks such as near-real-time maritime domain awareness, vessel tracking, anti-piracy efforts, air surveillance, critical infrastructure protection and situational awareness. NAVAIR needed to reduce maintenance time and other operating costs while making power availability more reliable. The system also needed to operate in a range of rugged and remote environmental conditions, both on and off the power grid.
CSC Searches for the Right Solution
As a systems integrator, CSC finds the best niche providers and integrates their expertise into a comprehensive solution that addresses both mission and management needs.
Rather than look at traditional fossil fuel sources, CSC recommended advanced technology from SkyBuilt, a company that rapidly deploys renewable power stations. Skybuilt’s systems met all the operating requirements: cheaper, more reliable and more resilient in harsh operating environments.
SkyBuilt is a leading product and systems integrator for rapidly deployable renewable energy solutions for military, intelligence, telecom, disaster relief, homeland security, sustainable economic development, USAID, DOE and other markets. SkyBuilt provides end-to-end solutions from design and engineering to products, maintenance, and service.
Renewable Power Stations Fill the Bill
In addition to economy, reliability and resilience, the new power stations help the Navy avoid transporting fossil fuel by convoys, which are subject to IED attacks. Fewer personnel are needed to protect such convoys. Depending on the availability of sun and wind at a site, the new power stations pay for themselves in a few months to a few years, through savings in operating cost. As added benefits, the stations help the military cut fuel use and progress toward the Navy Secretary Ray Mabus’ goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase renewable power sources.
Related Information
Learn more about energy management at CSC.