May 21 2015
Power management company Eaton today announced multiple contracts to provide engineering services, a solar inverter, and electrical distribution equipment for a 1.9-megawatt (MW) solar project at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
The project is the first phase of a planned 5 MW solar array that will help the U.S. Army installation reduce operating costs while contributing to the renewable energy goals and energy independence. Once complete, the solar array is expected to annually produce approximately 2,466 megawatt-hours of sustainable electricity, which is equivalent to removing 358 cars from the road.
The project is a result of collaboration between the U.S. Department of Energy, the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, and Pennyrile Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation. Eaton received the contracts from Pennyrile, and will support the installation through engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) services as well as a range of electrical balance of system (BOS) solutions.
“The solar project at Fort Campbell will help address the presidential mandate for federal agencies to meet 20 percent of their electricity needs through renewable energy sources by 2020,” said John Stampfel, vice president and general manager, Electrical Engineering Services and Systems Division, Eaton. “With expert engineering resources and an expansive portfolio power management solutions, Eaton is well positioned to help the U.S. Army’s achieve its net zero energy goal through the development of secure, domestic and renewable energy resources.”
The U.S. Army is leveraging a utility energy service contract (UESC) with Pennyrile and a $3.1 million state grant to implement the first phase of the renewable energy project at Fort Campbell. Located on 20 acres of retired landfill, the first phase of the project is expected to be complete in September 2015.
Eaton’s contribution follows a previously issued contract to provide photovoltaic (PV) system design for the project at Fort Campbell. Under the latest contract, Eaton will help maximize energy harvest and simplify maintenance through the provision of power management solutions, including: a Power Xpert® 1670-kilowatt (kW) solar inverter and direct-coupled, Cooper PowerTM series transformer; medium-voltage, metal-enclosed switchgear; 1000 Vdc Crouse-Hinds® series solar combiner boxes; B-Line® series cable tray solutions; and PVGard® web-based monitoring to oversee the power generated by the solar array. To enhance reliability and safety, Eaton will also provide construction services, electrical system commissioning and staff training.
Source: http://www.eaton.com/