Alaska Center for Energy and Power

At A GlAnCE | 2015

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ACEP’s Future Home

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In 2013, UAF broke ground on the Engineering Learning and Innovation Facility (ELIF) in order to accommodate a steep growth in the number of engineering students. It is envisioned that when the building is completed, ACEP will move into the top floor as a permanent home for our staff and faculty. The floor is now being designed specifically to accommodate the interactive, multidiscipline, and collaborative research that is ACEP’s hallmark.

To complete this floor — something not included in the original building space plan — UAF has launched a fund raising initiative seeking $6.5M in private sector contributions to complement the funding for the building from the State of Alaska.

ACEP is housed under the Institute of Northern Engineering in the College of Engineering and Mines at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

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From the Director

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When the Alaska Center for Energy and Power was organized seven years ago, we envisioned a dynamic research program laser-focused on the critical energy issues facing Alaskans.

Last year, we took a big step forward when — after years of planning — we simultaneously opened ACEP’s

Power Systems Integration Laboratory and our Tanana River Hydrokinetic Test Site to full scale equipment testing. These facilities provide a venue where we can work side-by-side with industry, applying our research strengths in these areas to develop and optimize energy systems appropriate for the Alaska market. Since then, we have successfully completed our first major industry testing contracts with Hatch Associates and Oceana.

In addition to working with industry to optimize existing designs and rigorously test them in a controlled environment, our team has been busy developing new ideas. Last year alone, ACEP researchers filed 10 new invention disclosures, many of

which we hope will be brought to market in the coming years.

In 2015, ACEP will enhance its collaboration with Alaska’s small businesses and utilities to share Alaska’s long history of microgrid innovation and operation with the rest of the world. Through our newly developed Global Applications Program, ACEP’s goal is to work with the private sector to create opportunities for new revenue and new jobs by making Alaska’s expertise more accessible globally.

Working together, we can achieve our shared vision of Alaskans leading the way in how energy is produced, distributed, and managed. We look forward to continuing to help address Alaska’s energy challenges and to build Alaska’s economy.

— Gwen HoldmannDirector, Alaska Center for Energy and Power

ACEP Vision

Alaska leading the way in innovative production, distribution, and management of energy.

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ACEP Values

ACEP Mission

IntegrityIntegrity and quality in our

research are our most critical assets.

ProfessionalismACEP’s client-driven culture demands

efficient project management, performance metrics and a

corresponding tracking and reporting system, and rapid dissemination of

results.

PragmatismWe seek solutions that make both technical and economic sense for

Alaska.

AgilityWe can quickly assemble skilled

research teams in a wide array of subjects by tapping a broad range of existing expertise among our partners

inside and outside the university.

teamworkACEP works as a team with people from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of expertise to fully

understand and address challenges.

An Eye to the FutureThrough relevant research, outreach and workforce development, we are helping build the future of energy in

Alaska.

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ACEP develops and disseminates practical, cost-effective, and innovative energy solutions for Alaska and beyond.

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ACEP StAFF

ACEP ProGrAM MAnAGErSthe Alaska Center for Energy and Power is an applied energy research program based at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

With 26 affiliated researchers, 19 dedicated staff, and a wide range of established partnerships, ACEP can quickly assemble a high-caliber research team to address key questions facing Alaska, the nation, and the world.

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Gwen HoldmannDirector

Brent SheetsDeputy Director

nickole ConleyDeputy Director of Operations

Brendan BabbResearch Technician

Amanda ByrdBiomass Coordinator

Marcia CassinoProgram Assistant

Melody Cavanaugh-Moen

Outreach and Marketing Manager

Paul DuvoyResearch Engineer

Max FreyProgram Assistant

tom JohnsonResearch Engineer

nick KonefalResearch Engineer

David lightResearch Engineer

Heike MerkelData Manager

luis MirandaResearch Engineer

Kara MooreProgram Assistant

Chris PikeResearch Engineer

Dominique PrideResearch Assistant

Jack SchmidResearch Engineer

lesli WallsResearch Grant Manager

Marc Mueller-StoffelsDirector, Power Systems

Integration Program

Jeremy KasperDirector, Alaska Hydrokinetic

Energy Research Center

Antony ScottSenior Economist

and Energy Analyst

Erin WhitneyData Collection &

Management Program Manager

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Cathy HanksUAF, Geophysical Institute

Anton KulchitskyUAF, Institute of

Northern Engineering

rorik PetersonUAF, College of Engineering and Mines, Mechanical Engineering

Andrew SeitzUAF, School of Fisheries

and Ocean Sciences

Katey Walter AnthonyUAF, Water and Environmental

Research Center

Steve ColtUAA, Institute of Social and Economic Research

Krista HeeringaUAF, Community Partnership

for Self-Reliance

Chuen-Sen linUAF, College of Engineering and Mines, Mechanical Engineering

Anupma PrakashUAF, Geophysical Institute

Diwaker VadapalliUAA, Institute of Social and

Economic Research

Dayne BrodersonUA, Geographic Information

Network of Alaska

Ginny FayUAA, Institute of Social and

Economic Research

Daisy HuangUAF, College of Engineering and Mines, Mechanical Engineering

Phil MakerUAF, Institute of

Northern Engineering

George roeUAF, Institute of

Northern Engineering

richard WiesUAF, College of Engineering and

Mines, Electrical Engineering

terry ChapinUAF, Institute of Arctic Biology

rajive GanguliUAF, Mineral Industry

Research Lab

Jerome JohnsonUAF, Institute of

Northern Engineering

Arthur nashUAF, Cooperative Extension

Service

Bill SchnabelUAF, Water and Environmental

Research Center

Stephen SparrowUAF, School of Natural

Resources and Agricultural Sciences

ACEP Affiliated researchers

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“The ACEP team has thoroughly impressed me with their depth of knowledge, practical understanding and technical skills. They have shown exemplary performance and professionalism in overcoming significant

technical challenges while working under the tight constraints of our schedule.” Dan Hertrich, Hatch Associates Consultants, Inc.

ACEP serves as a gateway to energy research for Alaska by drawing on existing expertise from across the University of Alaska system.

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$3.7M

$17.2M

ACEP Funding

StAtE INvEStMENtS throUgh UAF

ExtErNAlly FUNdEd ProjECtS*

$8.3MCollaborative

research

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ACEP relies heavily on competitively awarded, externally funded research projects to meet its mission.

• Over the past 5 years, an average of 82% of ourfunding has come from sources outside the Universtiy of

Alaska budget.

• External funding includes federal, state, tribal andprivate funders sources.

• 32 current projects spanning a wide range of technologies.

*The $17.2M in ACEP externally funded projects does not include the following $8.3M that was expensed on collaborative research.

» $5.6M in funds from the Denali Commission were sub-awarded to other organizations.

» $2M was expended on grants/contracts led by ACEP affiliated researchers within other research units.

» $750k in capital improvement projects (CIP) was expended to support specific research initiatives.

ACEP operates as a lean, agile research program.

ACEP has invested a total of $29.2M solving Alaska’s energy challenges over the last 5 years — 9 times more than direct state investment in the program.

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ACEP Making a Difference

ACEP measures success not based on the number of grants and contracts we receive or papers published — for us, success is directly tied to our ability to make a difference in the lives of individual Alaskans and their communities.

tECHnoloGy IMPACt

Initial Investment in technology

WorlD IMPACt

Widespread Distribution/Commercialization

StAtE IMPACt

Use of new technology by Early Adopters

CoMMUnIty IMPACt

Demonstration of technology in real World Environment

We focus on near-term, practical options to reduce the cost of energy for Alaskans to enable healthy, vibrant communities across the state. This includes

• a commitment to moving innovative technologies from the lab to the field as quickly as possible;

• making sure we employ local businesses to support our research; and

• maintaining long-term relationships with the communities we work in.

By nurturing technologies and strategies that can reduce energy costs in more than one location, we envision having an impact far beyond the scope of an individual project. We are working to plant the seeds for a sustainable future for Alaska.

ACEP collaborates with utilities, state agencies, tribes and communities throughout the state. See the back cover of this booklet or visit acep.uaf.edu to see where our projects are located.

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“ACEP is more than a capable team…more like a high-functioning unit…For our community’s remote micro grid system in our rugged environment, we turn to ACEP with our complex technical challenges.” Clay Koplin, CEO, Cordova Electric Cooperative

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toK, AlASKA

ACEP is working to improve the efficiency of our diesel powerhouses across the state. One way we are doing this is by testing methods of capturing heat lost through the exhaust or radiator to generate additional power using organic rankine cycle (ORC) technology. We selected an ElectraTherm product for testing, which is capable of generating up to 55 kW of additional power from otherwise wasted heat. After testing the unit successfully at UAF, we worked with Tanana Chiefs Conference and the local utility, Alaska Power and Telephone, to conduct field testing at the diesel powerhouse in Tok.

ACEP Case Study

tECHnoloGy IMPACt: UAF testing of the ElectraTherm unit was successful, so the unit was deployed in Tok at AP&T’s power plant.

CoMMUnIty IMPACt: Enough data was gathered to estimate that if the ORC technology were operated in Tok from April 1 to Nov. 15, the utility could save about $32,400, assuming 14kWh/gallon and a fuel cost of $5/gal. (From Nov. 16 through March 31, the engine heat would be diverted to space heating applications.)

StAtE IMPACt: The success of ACEP testing provides confidence that ORC technology is an economic option for utilities, and AEA provides funding to Unalaska to install three ElectraTherm units with projected savings of $214,000 annually.

WorlDWIDE IMPACt: ACEP’s reports and publications on this technology are bringing worldwide attention to Alaska’s communities as first adopters of innovative ideas.

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ACEP Programs

PErMAnEnt tEStBED CoMPonEntS

• 100 kW wind turbine simulator (VFD-controlled 3-phase 480 VAC 60 Hz input motor coupled to a 3-phase 480 VAC 60 Hz output induction generator)

• Energy storage power converter (320 kVA 480 VAC 60 Hz 3-phase, 350 to 1100 VDC, current and voltage source mode)

• MATLAB/Simulink model of diesel generator, inverter, battery and primary loads

• Programmable reactive load banks to simulate actual village or industrial loads (250 kW 208 VAC 3-phase and 250 kW 480 VAC 3-phase)

• Lead acid battery bank (540 VDC VDC, 1000 Ah)

• Distributed control system

• High-resolution data acquisition equipment

• Ability to connect with the diesel test bed to investigate various arrangements of distribution grid models and inter-operability scenarios

on SItE DIESEl GEnErAtIon

• 320 kW Caterpillar C-15 as well as a 125 kW Detroit diesel generator sets are available. These generators are connected to multiple load banks for up to 500 kW, at 208 – 480 VAC to simulate a wide variety of community loads.

In-HoUSE EMISSIonS AnAlySIS

• CO, O2, NOx, and SO2 Milestones

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2008• ACEP founded

2010• Wind-Diesel Applications Center (later renamed Power Systems Integration Lab) grant funded

2011• Energy Technology Facility ground breaking

2011–12• ACEP relocates to the new Energy Technology Facility completed

2012• Integrated Test Bed commissioned

2013• First contract for industry use of the facility signed

2014• Vendor’s new flywheel design tested• Data acquisition system and inverter/battery upgraded

2015• Liquid Metal Battery development and testing• New vendors in PSI Lab

Power Systems research — Why is it important?

The Power Systems Integration Program works to optimize diesel-renewable hybrid energy systems for islanded electric microgrids.

Alaska has invested significant funding and effort to bring renewable energy options to its communities as a way to offset the high reliance on diesel generation. Because the majority of Alaska's rural communities are powered through diesel generation infrastructure, in order for renewable energy to be a solution, it must integrate with the existing systems to ensure reliability, power quality and economic viability.

In assessing the performance of these renewable-diesel hybrid systems, the state has identified significant opportunities to improve performance through the development of systems and protocols focused on the integration of various power sources

into microgrids, specifically fluctuating, intermittent power sources like wind and solar.

Program Goals

Researchers from ACEP's Power Systems Integration program collaborate with state and federal agencies, communities, national laboratories, product developers and other stakeholders to develop novel control approaches, energy storage systems and demand management solutions. Research tactics range from data analysis, through modeling, to the testing of full-scale components in the Power Systems Integration Laboratory.

The program goal is to develop and test energy technology, disseminate lessons learned, and provide guidelines for the adoption of novel approaches to power systems integration in microgrids from low renewable energy penetration to diesel-off operation.

PSI PoWEr SyStEMS IntEGrAtIon ProGrAM AHErC AlASKA HyDroKInEtIC EnErGy rESEArCH CEntEr

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HyDroKInEtIC tESt SItE FEAtUrES

• Well-characterized deployment locations where river velocity, bathymetry, sediment transport, hydrodynamics, power density and turbulence are repeatedly measured

• Easily accessible by road from Fairbanks in the community of Nenana, with on-site office space to support research and testing

• Mandatory baseline fish studies completed for the site

• Technology to divert surface woody debris, a major impediment of operating devices in Alaska

• The site’s anchored mooring system, located mid-channel, supports a floating platform capable of securing a working load up to 50,000 pounds

• Pontoon barge for deploying and retrieving in-river hydrokinetic turbines and infrastructure

• AHERC has various instruments in its inventory suitable for on site as well as remote locations including:

» Blue View P900-2250-45 imaging sonar » Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler and Acoustic Doppler

Velocimeter » Simrad EK60 split beam sonar (120 kHz) » Reson 7125 Seabat Multibeam sonar (200/400 kHz) » Applanix IMU and Trimble GPS antennae » Edgetech 4125 sidescan sonar (600/1600 kHz) » Novatel RTK/L1 (20 cm accuracy) and Trimble RTK L1/L2

(2 cm accuracy) positioning systems » Video debris observation system » Laser in-situ sediment size and transmissometer

Milestones

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2010• AHERC established

2010• Tanana River Test Site established

2011• AHERC Advisory Committee formed

2011• AHERC 2010–2013 Strategic Plan published

2013• AEA project on Tanana River site characterization completed

2014• APT/Denali Commission project on debris mitigation completed• NNMREC Affiliation started• Oceana Turbine Testing completed

2015• Advanced Laboratory and Field Arrays (ALFA) for Marine Energy started

Hydrokinetic research — Why is it important?

Alaska has approximately 40% of the total river energy, approximately 90% of the total tidal energy and approximately 60% of the total wave energy in the U.S. Because of the high cost of power in Alaska, many communities are considering whether accessing these “hydrokinetic” energy resources to generate electric power is economically feasible and environmentally sustainable.

Program Goals

To facilitate the development of hydrokinetic power in Alaska, ACEP established the Alaska Hydrokinetic Energy Research Center (AHERC). AHERC focuses on applied research and engineering to help communities, developers and other stakeholders address the questions

of whether emerging hydrokinetic energy technologies are economically, technologically and environmentally sustainable.

AHERC’s Tanana River Hydrokinetic Test Site in Nenana is used to test hydrokinetic power-generating devices, related technologies, and to characterize the river environment under realistic Alaska river conditions.

Researchers use the test site to determine ways hydrokinetic turbines and aspects of the marine environment interact, including fish, debris, hydrodynamics, sediment transport and icing. Information collected from these studies will be used by hydrokinetic developers to improve their designs or identify the appropriate location for their turbines. It may also be used by Alaska’s permitting agencies to inform their decision making process.

AHErC AlASKA HyDroKInEtIC EnErGy rESEArCH CEntEr

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DC&M SErVICES

ACEP excels in the collection and management of technical performance data from remote and isolated energy systems and offers a host of services that follow the life cycle of data:

• data collection

• quality assurance

• data analysis

• data storage

• data service

Services are available for many kinds of customers, from project stakeholders in need of independent in-situ performance characteristics of power systems to researchers in need of data for model design, validation and boundary conditions.

From highly trained and experienced research staff and faculty, to partnerships with the Arctic Region Supercomputing Center (ARSC, UAF), Geographic Information Network Alaska (GINA, UAF) and the University of Alaska Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER, UAA), ACEP has the experience and tools to meet your data collection and management needs.

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Milestones

ACEP Programs

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Data Collection and Management — Why is it important?

ACEP is partnering with state agencies and utilities to more systematically collect and process data from energy projects across the state. Our goal is to provide tools to assist utilities in achieving the best performance of their systems, and to help design the systems of the future.

• Accurate assessment of the value of the investment (project, infrastructure, program, etc.)

• Standardized data collection allows for a comparative analyses between different projects in different locations

• Increased accuracy of analyses (technical, economic, etc.)

• Standardized data useful across a broad range of analysis platforms

Program Goals

The DC&M program supports analysis by ACEP researchers, state agencies, and others through the collection, processing, and reporting of technical performance data. Fundamental to this program is the belief that data-driven analysis of energy systems can have substantial real world impacts. Highly trained and experienced ACEP research staff and faculty team up to support individual projects by developing and executing a data needs and instrumentation plan tailored to the needs of our client.

Data management is equally important, allowing for the formatting, quality assurance, storage, and access to data needed for meaningful and long-term use. ACEP has developed a comprehensive data management system that allows for technically sound, processed data that is securely archived yet easily searchable and accessible.

2009• Data collection services for Denali Commission Emerging Energy Technology Grant commenced

2010–11• Data collection capabilities for remote Alaska power projects developed and refined

2012• DC&M Program established

2013• Data collection services for the Alaska Energy Authority Emerging Energy Technology Fund commenced

• Data collection services for Denali Commission Emerging Energy Technology Grant completed

2015• Data collection services for the Alaska Energy Authority Renewable Energy Fund developed

DC&M DAtA CollECtIon AnD MAnAGEMEnt EAG EnErGy AnAlySIS GroUP

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Alaska railbelt transmission lines.

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Milestones

EnErGy AnAlySIS GroUP ProJECtS InClUDE

• Assessment of a Unified System Operator for the Alaska Railbelt Grid — Supported the Regulatory Commission of Alaska in assessing the need for a structural form of a unified system operator for the Railbelt. Funded through the RCA.

• AK Micro-LNG Market Assessment — This study assessed whether small-scale LNG is a viable alternative to diesel fuel in Alaska’s coastal villages. Funded through AEA.

• Diesel Pricing Volatility for Rural Alaska — Assessing long-term factors influencing pricing to support project decision making for individual communities.

• DR&R Liability Assessment — What liability does the state have for dismantlement, removal and restoration of legacy infrastructure in Cook Inlet?

• Comparison of Proposed Energy Options for Interior Alaska – A side-by-side assessment of proposed projects ranging from trucked LNG to large and small diameters pipelines, hydropower, HVDC, and others. Funded through the US Air Force.

• Southeast Alaska Transmission Line Analysis — Assessment of the potential for a transmission line connecting Alaska to British Columbia. Funded through AEA.

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2014• EAG Program established • Alaska Micro-LNG Market

Assessment Project completed• Diesel Pricing Volatility for Rural Alaska Project completed

• Comparison of Proposed Energy Options for Interior Alaska completed

• Assessment of a Unified System Operator for the Alaska Railbelt Grid Project commenced

EAG EnErGy AnAlySIS GroUP

Energy Analysis — Why is it important?

Addressing Alaska’s domestic energy challenges requires more than assessing the technical and engineering feasibility of various options. It requires a holistic approach that also takes into account economic alternatives, social, legal, and regulatory barriers. For example, to assess the economic impact of non-diesel resources in rural Alaska, our approach includes examining the technical and economic feasibility of alternative sources of energy such as natural gas and propane, biomass, and intermittent renewable resources, as well as the policies that encourage (or discourage) their adoption. The analysis may include an investigation of scale (community vs. statewide impacts), transitional costs, the size of the market, impact of subsidies, and the potential to attract or retain industry.

Program Goals

Analysis conducted through ACEP’s Energy Analysis Group is focused on maximizing the efficient use of government resources and private capital to sustainably meet Alaskan energy needs. Our goal is to leverage ACEP’s existing technical strengths to identify the most economically efficient and effective means for meeting Alaska’s domestic energy challenges by addressing economic, legal, and regulatory barriers and opportunities for the state and its residents.

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ACEP Programs

Alaska has over 100 small businesses and non-profits with specialized expertise in microgrid design, many of which are interested in applying their knowledge outside of the state. In fact, Alaska-based companies have supported microgrid projects on all continents, including Antarctica. By sharing lessons learned through projects developed in some of the most remote and challenging areas of the world, Alaskans are playing a key role in addressing energy poverty globally.

Alaska is home to 200+ small community microgrids distributed across its geographically diverse regions. Over the past decade, investment in renewable generation has increased dramatically to meet both a desire for greater energy independence and reduce the cost of delivered power. Today, over 70 microgrids in Alaska are powered by renewable energy, including small hydro, wind, geothermal, biomass and solar combined with baseload generation typically provided by a diesel powerhouse.

We estimate that Alaska is home to approximately 12% of the developed microgrids in the world incorporating grid-scale levels of renewable generation. The integration of variable resources (wind and PV), as well as limitations of local hydro and geothermal power has led to the development of a niche support industry in Alaska, with significant

experience in the design, development, and operation of these hybrid microgrids.

Above left: Alaska hosts Sergio Andrade from Chile and john McGlynn from the Inter-America Development Bank who are interested in collaborating with Alaska on hydrokinetic energy. Above right: Cordova Electric Association’s Power Creek hydroelectric project supplies up to 6 MW of power to the microgrid. Photo courtesy of Cordova Electric Association.

WHAt IS A MICroGrID?

Microgrids are electricity distribution systems containing localized loads and energy resources that can be operated in a controlled, coordinated way either while connected to the main power network (macrogrid) or while islanded (intentionally or unintentionally disconnected from a mac-rogrid for a short time period).

In Alaska, microgrids serve most of our rural communities. These microgrids are permanently islanded, or disconnected from a larger macrogrid, because there are few transmission lines that connect these communities to one another or to the larger Railbelt grid.

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GAP GloBAl APPlICAtIonS ProGrAM

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These developing countries have been identified through ACEP’s GAP program as having similarities to Alaska: high energy costs, challenging geography, vulnerable supply lines and rural populations that are not electrified, or served only by local microgrids.

“Alaska has the

world’s greatest

concentration

of experience

and expertise

for integrating

renewable and

conventional power

in hybrid systems.”

Peter lilienthal, CEO,

HOMER Energy

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ACEP Projects

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•Waste Heat UtilizationDetermining if low quality heat from industrial sources such as diesel powerhouses can be used to generate additional power economically using an Organic Rankine Cycle. Funded through denali

Commission, AEA, EPA, DEC.

• Pilgrim Hot Springs resource AssessmentDetermining potential to generate adequate amounts of power from this low temperature geothermal resource to economically provide baseload power to the nearby community of Nome. Funded through DOE, AEA, the City of Nome,

and many other local partners.

•nome Power Integration StudyOptimization of wind, diesel and potential future geothermal generation to minimize overall diesel fuel consumption. Funded through doE and the City

of Nome.

•Cordova Hydropower optimization StudyEnergy analysis to optimize the hydropower utilization explore engineering options to implement an optimal hydropower utilization approach. Funded through doE.

•remote Data Acquisition SystemDeveloping a robust hardware and software system that can be deployed for long periods of time to autonomously collect data from electrical generating systems for later analysis. Funded

through Shell.

• liquid Metal Battery testingRobust testing of next-generation energy storage systems with potential Alaska applications at ACEP’s Power Systems Integration Lab. Funded

through the Emerging Energy Technology Grant Fund, in

partnership with Ambri, Inc.

•Diesel-off testingDeveloping strategies using batteries and inverters in a manner that allows diesel generators to be turned off when adequate power from renewable generation is available. Funded through the denali Commission and doE.

•Battery Management System DevelopmentDevelopment of a smart battery management system for valve regulated lead-acid batteries. Funded through doE.

ACEP projects span a wide range of technologies. At any one time, ACEP has about 30 active research projects addressing Alaska-relevant issues, many partnering with communities and organizations across the state. The projects highlighted on these pages represent some of the current research ACEP is engaged in.

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“ACEP’s breadth of technical expertise has been extremely helpful on issues from alternative energy integration to resource evaluation and economic analysis of our energy options. I look forward to continuing to work together closely in the future.” John Handeland, General Manager/COO, Nome Joint Utility System

•Alaska Micro-lnG Market Analysis This study investigates the viability of small-scale LNG (liquified natural gas) distribution as an alternative to diesel fuel in Alaska’s remote coastal villages. Funded through AEA.

•Assessment of a Unified System operator for the Alaska railbelt Grid

ACEP is supporting the Regulatory Commission of Alaska in assessing the need for a structural form of a unified system operator for the Railbelt. Funded through the rCA.

•yakutat Wave Energy resource AssessmentDetermines Yakutat’s wave energy resource potential by deploying equipment to assess key parameters that will determine the potential for generating power from wave energy at the site. Funded by the City and Borough of Yakutat and AEA.

• Fuel AdditivesDetermines if various fuel additives, which are being marketed throughout the state, boost engine efficiency and reduce fuel consumption for diesel powerhouses. Funded through AEA in

collaboration with DOE.

•Biomass Boiler Performance AssessmentExamines performance of wood-fired hydronic boiler systems in three different Alaskan communities: Gulkana, Tanana, and Delta Junction. Funded through AEA.

• Small Modular nuclear reactor AssessmentACEP continues to track the nuclear industry to better understand whether next generation, small nuclear reactors could someday be safely deployed in the state. Funded through Idaho National

lab.

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ACEP Students

ACEP educates the workforce of tomorrow by involving graduate and undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds in almost all of our research projects. Meet a few of our students here.

Haley McIntyre

Hometown — Anchorage, Alaska

Field of Study — Natural Resources Management

Focus of Study with ACEP: Energy Analysis Group — Last summer, ACEP selected Haley to participate in Idaho National Lab’s Center for Space Nuclear Research summer fellowship program as a part of a joint effort with ACEP to understand the opportunities and barriers for the use of small modular nuclear reactors in Alaska. Her current work with ACEP involves researching Alaska’s policy and bonding standards for the decommissioning of oil and gas platforms on state lands in order to clarify possible state liability.

Brita Mjos

Hometown — Anchorage, Alaska

Field of Study — Civil Engineering

Focus of Study with ACEP: District Heating Systems — Last summer, Brita researched district heating systems around Alaska that utilize a variety of heat sources with the goal of developing a set of guidelines for ACEP that can explain what makes a district heating system viable in the state. She is now applying what she learned to the design of a district heating system for Pilgrim Hot Springs, near Nome.

nathan Green

Hometown — Montara, California

Field of Study — Electrical Engineering

Focus of Study with ACEP: Data Collection and Management — The goal of Nathan’s current project is to gather high quality/resolution data from various energy projects. Nathan manages the data as it comes in to him, puts it through quality control, and then stores it on a server. Eventually users will be able to go to a website and choose from a list of what data they want to download based on location, date, type of measurement, and other variables due to Nathan’s work. Currently he is writing a code that automatically checks whether data files have been converted properly. If a file is correctly formatted, the code populates the list with the relevant identifying information.

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“Being a student intern with ACEP gave me invaluable hands-on project experience working with some of the top professionals in the field. I was respected as an integral team member with real responsibility for the success of the project. This experience generated the momentum that has aided the growth of my professional career.” Josh Miller, Geologist, BP Alaska.

Former ACEP intern working on the

Pilgrim Hot Springs Geothermal Resource

Assessment.

Anastasia thayer

Hometown — Fairbanks, Alaska

Field of Study — Natural Resources & Applied Economics

Focus of Study with ACEP: Global Applications Program — Ana’s work for ACEP centered on characterizing Alaska’s microgrid industry. She developed a survey and conducted in-person interviews with Alaska small business owners engaged in this field to better understand the work Alaskans are currently doing overseas, and capacity and interest in becoming more engaged in work outside the state. She also spent time assessing how Iceland has managed to developed a knowledge export industry based on their expertise in geothermal energy.

John Venables

Hometown — Haines, Alaska

Field of Study — Electrical Engineering — Power Generation and Control

Focus of Study with ACEP: Case Studies from rural Alaska — John is performing a case study and analysis of the use of solar power in the Northwest Arctic Borough (NAB). The NAB is working to lower the high energy costs for community buildings that don’t qualify for subsidized electrical rates. John is also completing a lessons learned report on an organic rankine cycle (ORC) machine used by Cordova Electric Cooperative, a technology used to generate extra electrical power by harnessing waste heat from diesel generators.

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ACEP Education

Wind for Schools and KidWind ChallengeThe Alaska Wind for Schools program uses wind power to enhance education opportunities and raise awareness about energy issues among Alaska’s youth. This program is part of the Department of Energy’s national initiative led by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

(NREL). In addition, ACEP hosts the annual KidWind Challenge, a national wind turbine design competition for students in grades 6-12.

Classroom and Field trip ExperiencesACEP provides K-12 outreach to classes upon request. Hands-on materials and dynamic presentations provide students with the necessary background to understand energy and engage their imagination in developing novel solutions for Alaska’s complex energy needs.

Energy Curriculum DevelopmentAligned with state and national standards, ACEP, in partnership with REAP, continued development on an energy efficiency curriculum for use in K-12 classrooms across the state. Funded by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, this curriculum gives Alaskan youth an understanding of the high cost of power generation and the importance of taking measures to conserve energy at home and school.

Energy Summer CampsEach summer ACEP staff are immersed in week-long science camps for students and teachers, both through the Alaska Summer Research Academy (ASRA). These intensive hands-on courses allow participants to delve into more complex topics and encourages interest in science and technology concepts and careers.

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ACEP reaches Alaska’s K–12 youth each year through a variety of popular and growing programs.

2013 KidWind Challenge Winners, Mt. Edgecumbe High School, Mr. Hunter's Class

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ACEP outreach

An Hour with an ExpertThe Alaska Center for Energy and Power has and continues to develop partnerships and collaborations with researchers and organizations from all over the world. For this reason, ACEP has the inside scoop on current cutting edge research and technology development. To share this timely information ACEP is presenting a lecture series, An Hour With An Expert. Check our website and Facebook page for upcoming lectures.

Advising AlaskansACEP dedicates a portion of our staff time to respond to energy related questions from communities or individuals.

PublicationsACEP produces a variety of online and print publications to provide information on specific topics or research projects.

WorkshopsACEP hosts a variety of small conferences and workshops throughout the year on specific topics. Examples include the International Wind-Diesel Conference, Small Modular Nuclear Reactors Workshop, Hydrokinetics Conference, High Voltage Direct Current Training and the first Alaska-based Energy Storage Workshop.

rural Energy ConferenceEvery 18 months, ACEP and AEA partner to host the Alaska Rural Energy Conference, bringing together 500 participants representing 100 villages in Alaska to share information about energy challenges and opportunities.

ACEP makes unbiased energy information accessible to decision makers at all levels, including legislators, tribal leaders, business and industry representatives, and individual homeowners.

ACEP onlInE

ACEP maintains an active online presence to guarantee 24 hour access to our resources and knowledge network. We provide information on all aspects of energy in Alaska, from resources and technology to projects and energy events.

For more information find us at:

acep.uaf.edu

energy-alaska.wikidot.com

If you would like to receive monthly updates on what’s happening at ACEP, email a request to Melody.Moen@alaska.edu.

“Thank you for helping to educate our children! There is little that helps teachers more than having an expert demonstrate a hands on lesson that we are free to use.”

Matt Hunter, Science and Math Teacher, Mt. Edgecumbe High SchoolP. 1

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ACEP outreach staff at the Alaska rural Energy Conference

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ACEP Advisors

ACEP’s Advisory Committee is a group of dedicated industry and agency professionals who inform our planning and help shape our research agenda.

MEMBErS

Craig Dorman University of Alaska (retired) Crystal Enkvist Alaska Power Association Samuel Enoka Viasyn, Inc. Sara Fisher-Goad Alaska Energy Authority Jack Hébert Cold Climate Housing Research Center Brian Hirsch National Renewable Energy Laboratory Brian Holst Juneau Economic Development Corporation Paul Ivanoff III Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation Doug Johnson Ocean Renewable Power Company Meera Kohler Alaska Village Electric Cooperative Clay Koplin Cordova Electric Cooperative Ben larue Siemens Building Technology tom lovas National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Joel neimeyer Denali Commission David Pelunis-Messier Tanana Chiefs Conference Chris rose Renewable Energy Alaska Project AlexAnna Salmon Igiugig Tribal Village Counci Aaron Schutt Doyon, Limited Ethan Schutt CIRI lorna Shaw Pogo Mine Gene therriault Alaska Energy Authority Johnna Van Keuren Shell Wind Energy robert Venables Southeast Conference

Ethan Schutt, Senior Vice President Land and Energy Development, CIRI, and ACEP Advisory Council Chair

“ACEP plays a critical role in the state’s energy industry, assessing and validating

technology for Alaskans and serving as a laboratory where

emerging solutions can be researched, improved, and matured for deployment.”

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ACEP ClIEntS AnD CollABorAtorS (2008 – PrESEnt)

ABBABS AlaskanAir Force Research LaboratoryAK Department of

Environmental ConservationAK Division of Geological and

Geophysical SurveysAK Division of ForestryAlaska Energy AuthorityAlaska Housing Finance

CorporationAlaska Power and TelephoneAlaska SeaLife CenterAlaska Village Electric

CooperativeAlaska Wood Energy

Development Task GroupAmbriArgonne National LabBattelle Begich Middle SchoolBering Straits

Native CorporationBoise State UniversityBoschma ResearchBPBureau of Land ManagementBristol Bay Native Association

Charles Darwin UniversityChena Hot Springs ResortChena PowerCity of GalenaCity of NenanaCity of NomeCity of TananaCity of Tenakee SpringsCity and Borough of YakutatCold Climate Housing

Research CenterCordova Electric CooperativeCrowley Marine ServicesDenali CommissionDoD Alaska CommandDOE Advanced Manufacturing

OfficeDOE Indian Energy ProgramDOE Office of ElectricityDoyon, LimitedEielson Air Force BaseElectraThermElim Tribal CouncilElmendorf Air Force BaseEnergy ConceptsEnergy Efficiency EvaluationsEnvironmental Protection

Agency

Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation

Fairbanks North Star BoroughGolden Valley Electric

AssociationGraphiteOneHatch Associates ConsultantsHOMER EnergyHuslia Tribal CouncilIdaho National LaboratoryInland Barge ServiceInside Passage Electric

CooperativeInterior Regional Housing

AuthorityInstitute of the NorthJacobs EngineeringJoint Base Elmendorf

RichardsonJon’s Machine ShopJuneau Economic Development

CouncilKawerakKidWindKodiak Electric AssociationKodiak Island Borough School

DistrictLawrence Berkeley National

LaboratoryLawrence Livermore National

LaboratoryManley Hot Springs Tribal

CouncilMary’s Igloo Native

CorporationMarsh Creek Energy SystemsMcGrath Tribal CouncilMcKinley Services

Minto Tribal CouncilMount Edgecumbe High

SchoolNANA CorporationNational Renewable Energy

Laboratory National Energy Technology

LaboratoryNenana Native CouncilNikolai Tribal CouncilNome Chamber of CommerceNome Joint Utility SystemsNorton Sound Economic

Development CorporationNorthern PowerNorthern AK Career and

Technical Education CenterNorthwest Arctic BoroughNorthwest National Marine

Renewable Energy CenterOcean Renewable Power

CompanyOceana EnergyOregon State UniversityOregon Wave Energy TrustPatriot SolutionsPilgrim Geothermal LLCPolarconsult AlaskaPotelco IncPower and WaterPrudent Energy Regulatory Commission of

AlaskaRenewable Energy Alaska

ProjectRenewable Energy SolutionsResolute Marine EnergyRuby Marine

Ruby Tribal CouncilSandia National LaboratorySealaskaShell Wind EnergySherrod Elementary SchoolSiemens Building TechnologiesSitnatuak Native CorpSouthern Methodist UniversitySouthwest Alaska Municipal

ConferenceStanford UniversityStrategies 360Susitna Energy SystemsSustainable AutomationTanana Chiefs ConferenceTDX PowerTeck ComincoTerraSondUnaatuqUniversity of MaineUniversity of MassachusettsUniversity of Texas at AustinUniversity of WashingtonUnited States Coast GuardUnited States Geologic SurveyUsibelli Coal MineVillage of EyakVillage of ElimVillage of IgiugigVortex Hydro EnergyWestern Community EnergyWHPacificWhite Mountain

Native CorporationWilliams EngineeringYour Clean Energy

ACEP fosters a wide range of partnerships outside the university at the local, state, national and international levels to ensure our research is relevant, current and world class.

ACEP Partners

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UAF is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and educational institution. All photos are courtesy of UAF staff except where otherwise noted. Cover art: Melody Cavanaugh-Moen/ACEP. Ripple image: iStockPhoto.com. Design: EERL Graphics/Dixon Jones.

AdakAkutanAnchorageAtkaAtqasukBristol Bay BoroughBucklandChena Hot SpringsCordovaDeltaEagleEielson AFBElimElmendorf AFBFairbanksGalenaGulkanaIguigig

JuneauKaktovikKodiakKongiginakManley Hot SpringsNenanaNomeNorth PoleNorthwest Arctic BoroughPalmerShungnakSitkaSt. PaulTananaTellerTenakee SpringsTokUnalakleetYakutat

ACEP Project Sites

acep.uaf.edu907.474.5402

Mailing address:P.O. Box 755910Fairbanks, AK 99775-5910

Fairbanks office814 Alumni DriveFairbanks, AK 99775

Anchorage office500 L Street Suite 201Anchorage, AK 99501

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