Wright-Patt Energy Office advances resiliency, efficiency projects

  • Published
  • By Patric Shoup
  • 88th Air Base Wing Installation Energy Management Office
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is working on a series of major energy projects designed to make the base more self-sufficient and less vulnerable to power outages. Focusing on the Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program, these projects are funded through a military construction program, aiming to modernize the base's energy infrastructure and reduce its reliance on older, less efficient systems.

Think of it like this: the base is upgrading its electrical grid and heating systems to be more reliable and resilient, similar to how a homeowner might install a backup generator or upgrade their insulation.

Some of the key projects include:

A Backup Power Line for Area B: A new power line will provide a redundant source of electricity for key facilities in Area B, ensuring they stay operational even if the primary power source fails.

A Modern Cooling System: A new "district cooling plant" will provide efficient and reliable cooling for buildings across the base.

Microgrids for Critical Facilities: Smaller, independent power grids ("microgrids") are being planned for the Intelligence Facility and the Command District, allowing these vital areas to operate independently in case of a wider power outage.

Moving Away from Steam Heat: The base is gradually replacing its old steam-based heating system with more modern and efficient individual heating units in buildings.

These projects not only improve energy security but also contribute to cost savings. By using less steam heat, the base can reduce its energy consumption and lower maintenance costs. It also means the base will need fewer specialized workers to operate the old steam plants.

"These upgrades will make Wright-Patterson more resilient and less dependent on outside energy sources," said a spokesperson for the Installation Energy Management Office. "We're ensuring the base can continue its critical mission even in the face of power disruptions."

In addition to these large-scale projects, the base is also conducting energy audits and "retro-commissioning" to identify smaller ways to save energy. These efforts might include replacing old fluorescent lights with energy-efficient LEDs or adjusting heating and cooling systems for optimal performance.

Ultimately, these initiatives are part of a long-term plan to make Wright-Patterson Air Force Base a leader in energy efficiency and resilience, ensuring it can continue to operate effectively for years to come.