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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRural AK power systems critical tool supply and inventory 3428-1845 AEA ConceptPaper 20253428-1845_AlaskaEnergyAuthority_ConceptPaper 1 Project Title: Rural Alaska Power Systems: Critical Tool Supply and Inventory OCED eXCHANGE Control Number: 3428-1845 Applicant Name: Alaska Energy Authority Applicant Entity Type: State Government Topic Area of Application: Topic Area 3 Project Location(s) by City, State, and Zip Code+4: Alaska Population and Census Verification of Project Location and/or Directly Benefitting Community or Communities: See Statewide Community Partner List - 85 Rural Alaskan Communities (pg. 6-7) Census Tract(s) Directly Impacted by Project: (Please separate tracts with commas) See above Project Technologies Wind, Solar, Microgrids, Transmission, Energy Efficiency, One-Sentence Project Description: This project will address critical and widespread deficiencies faced by rural Alaska electric utilities that do not possess the basic tools needed for regular preventative maintenance in power generation. Team Member Organizations: Alaska Energy Authority Do the proposed recipient and all subrecipients qualify as domestic entities*? ☐ Yes ☐ No: Yes Points of Contact Name Email Phone Number Demonstration Project Manager: Chris McConnell CMcconnell@aken ergyauthority.org 907-771- 3042 Business Point of Contact: Curtis Thayer CThayer@akenerg yauthority.org 907-771- 3000 Confidentiality Statement (if applicable): Total DOE Funding Request ($M USD): $2,000,000 Total Non-Federal Cost Share ($M USD): $106,000 Total Project Costs ($M USD): $2,106,000 Total Period of Performance (yrs): Five Years Technical Proposal: Alaska Energy Authority seeks to address the critical shortage of essential maintenance tools across the majority of rural Alaska’s diesel reliant microgrids. Alaska’s remote and isolated microgrids power communities that are accessible by only air or boat, and are spread out over 663,000 square miles. There is no such thing as a trip to the corner hardware store. The lack of readily available, appropriate tools significantly impedes safe and efficient operation, preventative maintenance, and timely repairs, posing a substantial risk to energy reliability, infrastructure integrity, and the successful integration of renewable energy projects. Renewable integration projects and technical innovations are rapidly proliferating across Alaska’s rural microgrid landscape. Measuring the success and progress of these 3428-1845_AlaskaEnergyAuthority_ConceptPaper 2 projects has proven stubbornly difficult because diesel generation, whether prime or stand-by power, is consistently subject to failure due to a poor performance of preventative maintenance. This project will implement a systematic tool inventory, needs assessment, and targeted tool distribution program, coupled with training and secure storage guidelines, to bolster the maintenance capabilities of 85 remote Alaskan communities, and help ensure a reliably maintained backbone necessary for renewable energy integration. Rural Alaskan communities face unique challenges in maintaining their critical energy infrastructure. Diesel powerhouses, bulk fuel facilities, distribution systems, wind turbines, solar arrays and other renewable systems are located in areas with limited or no ready access to supply chains and skilled labor resources. A significant contributing factor to maintenance inefficiencies and safety concerns is the acute shortage of appropriate tools. A persistent lack of reserve funds on the part of facility owners has resulted in a triage response model rather than a planned preventative maintenance programs. This deficiency inevitably leads to: • Delayed Maintenance and Repairs: Lack of necessary tools prolongs maintenance tasks and impedes timely repairs, increasing the risk of equipment failure and service disruptions. • Safety Hazards: Improvised or inadequate tools compromise safety during maintenance procedures, potentially leading to accidents and injuries. • Reduced Preventative Maintenance: The absence of specialized tools hinders effective preventative maintenance, accelerating equipment wear and tear and shortening asset lifespans. • Inefficient Operations: Suboptimal tool availability impacts the efficiency of maintenance personnel, leading to increased downtime and operational costs. • Fuel Contamination, Spills and Environmental Damage: Poorly maintained fuel facilities are more prone to leaks and spills, resulting in environmental contamination. Engines are routinely damaged and fail due to fuel contamination that was not detected through proper testing and use of fuel test kits. • Hindered Renewable Energy Integration: Critically, the successful integration of renewable energy projects (solar, wind, etc.) into rural Alaskan microgrids relies heavily on the reliable operation of diesel powerhouses. Diesel systems serve as the essential backbone, providing stability and backup power during periods of intermittent renewable generation. Without well- maintained diesel systems, renewable energy integration efforts are significantly jeopardized. Motivated and conscientious rural Microgrid workers are hamstrung by a lack of tools required to perform basic preventative maintenance. Community perception often wrongly implicates the dedication of utility and bulk fuel operators as a core cause of unreliable power. AEA’s tool inventory approach will empower operators and facility managers by equipping them with the right tools for a challenging job. It is extremely difficult to discern between poor execution of preventative maintenance, and the inability to perform maintenance tasks due to an absence of industry standard tools in the shop. Business Case The industry wide business case for regular preventative maintenance is as long-standing as it is self- evident. The persistent barriers to establishing a sustainable culture of preventative maintenance within rural Alaska microgrids is a longstanding and widely recognized challenge. Tools alone will not solve all operation and maintenance deficiencies across rural Alaska microgrid operations, but it is axiomatic that preventative maintenance cannot be performed without access to the proper tools. 3428-1845_AlaskaEnergyAuthority_ConceptPaper 3 Key Cost-Effectiveness Drivers: • Reduced Unplanned Downtime • Preventative maintenance minimizes these disruptions by identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate. • Studies indicate that preventative maintenance can decrease unplanned downtime by over 18%. • Extended Asset Lifespan: • This deferral of costly replacements provides significant long-term savings. • Addressing minor issues during scheduled maintenance is far less expensive than dealing with major breakdowns. • Reactive maintenance is shown to be far more costly than preventative maintenance. • Regular inspections and maintenance help identify and mitigate potential safety hazards, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. • In facilities handling hazardous materials like fuel, safety is paramount, and preventative maintenance plays a crucial role in ensuring safe operations. • Well-maintained equipment operates more efficiently, consuming less energy and reducing operating costs. • Industry data consistently shows a high ROI for preventative maintenance programs. • Overall maintenance costs can be reduced by 12-18% through effective preventative maintenance. This project will significantly enhance the maintenance capabilities of rural Alaskan diesel powerhouses and bulk fuel facility workers, while contributing to improved energy reliability, safety, and environmental protection. Crucially, this initiative will pave the way for the successful and sustainable integration of renewable energy projects, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting energy independence in rural Alaska. By providing the necessary tools, training, and storage guidelines, this initiative will empower communities to maintain their critical infrastructure effectively and sustainably; and crucially lay the groundwork to establish reserve maintenance funds. The AEA Circuit Rider team (diesel mechanic, bulk fuel technician and Rural Assistance Manager), in consultation with Alaska Vocational Technical Center’s Instructor of record for Power Plant Operations and Bulk Fuel Technician Training, as well as a network of diesel repair shops and certified lineman serving rural Alaska, have compiled a master list of required tools for safe and efficient operations. Through the course of scheduled trainings, on site and remote technical assistance, emergency visits and freight delivery; the AEA Circuit Riders will assist 85 remote rural Alaska communities in completing a tool inventory for power generation and bulk fuel operations. The required tools, best practices guidelines for secure storage and continued tool audits will be delivered over the course of the five-year period of performance. AEA will provide cost match from state allocated funds dedicated to the maintenance and improvement of rural Alaska infrastructure. Project Team Chris McConnell has worked in the rural Alaska energy sector for eight years and is AEA’s Rural Programs Manager. He oversees a team of project managers working throughout rural Alaska microgrid communities to facilitate bulk fuel upgrades, rural power system upgrades, asset inventory & assessments, as well as distribution and maintenance and improvement projects. Previously Chris worked at Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP) where he established and developed the Alaska Network of Energy Education and Employment (ANEEE) program under an Office of Naval Research. ANEEE established a framework for collaboration between state and federal agencies, non-profit 3428-1845_AlaskaEnergyAuthority_ConceptPaper 4 organizations, educational institutions, Alaska Native Corporations and other stake holders working in the Alaskan energy education and workforce development sectors. In partnership with the Denali Commission and DOE Arctic Energy, Chris created and directed People in Power (PIP), a stand-alone rural Alaska utility training coordination program serving more than ten communities across several regions. Justin Tuomi is AEA Rural Assistance Manager and has 20 years of experience working in rural Alaska infrastructure and power systems. He is responsible for AEA’s Circuit Rider, Bulk Fuel Itinerant, Training, and Electrical Emergencies programs. He provides technical assistance and training to rural communities to assist local staff to improve the efficient operation and maintenance of diesel electric generation and control, power distribution, bulk fuel storage, and hybrid power systems. In addition, he develops, prepares, and presents status reports on projects, analyze conditions and recommend actions and policies to solve and prevent problems associated with the planning, construction, operating and maintenance of rural energy infrastructure. Kyler Kilmer has 15 years’ experience working with power systems and powerhouses throughout rural Alaska and is the lead Circuit Rider for AEA. He travels throughout rural Alaskan villages to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair a variety of diesel and hydro power systems. Kyler provides on-site and remote tech support to power plant operators for their power systems at all hours of the day. Including generators, switchgear, heat recovery systems, computers and networking. He provides onsite training to rural power utility staff for power plant O&M and responds to emergency power outages in rural villages within 48 hours by troubleshooting and repairing required equipment or devices onsite. Kyler performs onsite installation and commissioning of AEA funding projects, including power plants, switchgear upgrades, and generator upgrades. Luke Jury is an AEA Circuit Rider and bulk fuel technician with 20 years of experience in rural Alaska and North Slope energy infrastructure, specializing in power generation, plant operations, and maintenance of high-voltage electrical systems. Skilled in troubleshooting, preventative and corrective maintenance, project management, and promoting a strong safety culture. Experience with LOTO procedures, engine control systems, and compliance with regulatory standards. Thomas Albert is an AEA Assistant Program Manager and former Executive Director of the Native Village of Tununak’s ANCSA Corporation, Tununrmiut. He has extensive experience living in rural Alaska and working on village energy infrastructure projects. Jerry Blitz is in his 24th year as the instructor of record for AVTEC’s Power Plant Operations and Bulk Fuel Training course. He has trained more than a thousand rural Alaska power plant operators and provides remote technical assistance to many of his former students working as microgrid operators and managers. Project Plan Comprehensive Tool Inventory and Needs Assessment: The Alaska Energy Authority’s (AEA) Circuit Rider Program, in collaboration with Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) Power Plant Operations instructors, will conduct a thorough inventory of existing tools at designated diesel powerhouses, renewable generation infrastructure and bulk fuel facilities across 85 rural communities over five years. This inventory will identify tool deficiencies, assess the specific needs of each facility, and prioritize tool distribution based on criticality and frequency of use. 3428-1845_AlaskaEnergyAuthority_ConceptPaper 5 The assessment will encompass tools required for: • Maintenance of renewable energy integration components (e.g., solar, wind). • Power distribution line maintenance. • Bulk fuel facility and tank farm maintenance, including leak detection and repair. • Tools specific to the maintenance of control systems, and monitoring equipment that are vital for the successful integration of renewable energy systems. Targeted Tool Distribution: • Based on the needs assessment, appropriate tools will be procured and distributed to each facility. • Tool delivery will be strategically integrated with: • On-site training sessions conducted by AEA Circuit Riders and AVTEC instructors, with a focus on the interplay between diesel and renewable systems. • Renewable energy integration projects. • Scheduled repair visits by trusted contractors. • This integrated approach will ensure that personnel receive hands-on training on the proper use and maintenance of the newly provided tools, specifically in the context of hybrid energy systems. Tool Storage Guidelines and Implementation: • Guidelines for secure tool storage will be developed and provided to each facility to prevent inventory loss and damage. • These guidelines will include recommendations for: • Appropriate storage containers and shelving. • Inventory management systems. • Access control measures. • Regular inventory checks. Tracking Tool Distribution Effectiveness AEA’s Circuit Rider team and Rural Energy Group currently track and record the nature of technical assistance requests, on-site visits, power issues, outages and bulk fuel issues – along with outcomes and resolutions after technical assistance outreach. AEA will monitor and record impact of full tool inventories on these metrics for 85 rural Alaska microgrids. Risk Risk Level Mitigation Residual Risk Inventory Control Medium AEA will mitigate by providing guidelines for regular tool inventory audits, tool tracking guidelines, locking tool drawers, and loss prevention policies. Medium Tooling Evolution Low AEA Circuit Riders will utilize an extensive inventory and assessment database to track updates, modifications and planned improvements to microgrid assets, equipment and bulk fuel facilities – and the corresponding needs or changes in basic tool requirement. Low 3428-1845_AlaskaEnergyAuthority_ConceptPaper 6 Community and Workers Since 1976, AEA has worked with nearly every rural Alaskan community to fund, build, improve and maintain energy infrastructure across the state. Through AEA’s Rural Energy Group, Circuit Rider program and Inventory and Assessment activities; AEA has built relationships and successful project partnerships with community leaders and workers throughout the state. The Critical Tool Supply and Inventory project will continue our mission to increase rural Alaska’s ability to lower the cost of energy and increase the capacity of Alaskan’s working to reduce energy costs. Community Name* Pop Zip Code Community Name* Pop Zip Code Akhiok 63 99615 Crooked Creek 90 99575 Akiachak 677 99551 Deering 182 99736 Akiak 462 99552 Diomede 83 99762 Akutan 1589 99553 Egegik 39 99579 Angoon 357 99820 Elfin Cove 24 99825 Aniak 507 99557 False Pass 397 99583 Arctic Village 151 99722 Fort Yukon 428 99740 Atka 53 99547 Galena 472 99741 Atmautluak 386 99559 Golovin 175 99762 Beaver 48 99724 Gustavus 655 99826 Birch Creek 35 99730 Hoonah 931 99829 Buckland 550 99727 Hughes 85 99745 Central 66 99730 Igiugig 68 99613 Chalkyitsik 56 99788 Kake 543 99830 Chefornak 506 99561 Karluk 27 99608 Chenega Bay 59 99574 King Cove 757 99612 Chignik 97 99564 Kipnuk 704 99614 Chignik Lagoon 72 99565 Klukwan 87 99827 Chignik Lake 61 99548 Kokhanok 152 99606 Chitina 101 99566 Koliganek 183 99576 Chuathbaluk 104 99557 Kongiganak 486 99545 Circle 91 99733 Koyukuk 98 99754 Clark's Point 67 99569 Kwethluk 812 99621 3428-1845_AlaskaEnergyAuthority_ConceptPaper 7 Cold Bay 50 99571 Kwigillingok 380 99622 Larsen Bay 34 99624 Tanana 246 99777 Levelock 69 99625 Takotna 56 99675 Manokotak 488 99628 Tatitlek 90 99677 McGrath 301 99627 Tenakee Springs 116 99841 Mertarvik 99 99559 Tuluksak 444 99679 Metlakatla 1454 99926 Tuntutuliak 469 99680 Napakiak 358 99634 Unalakleet 765 99684 Napaskiak 509 99559 Venetie 205 99781 Nelson Lagoon 41 99571 White Mountain 185 99784 Newhalen 168 99606 Nikolai 89 99691 Nondalton 133 99640 Nunam Iqua 217 99666 Ouzinkie 109 99644 Pedro Bay 43 99647 Pelican 98 99832 Perryville 88 99648 Pilot Point 70 99649 Platinum 55 99651 Port Alsworth 186 99653 Port Heiden 100 99549 Rampart 57 99767 Ruby 139 99768 Sleetmute 95 99668 Stony River 57 99557 St. George 67 99591 St. Paul 413 99660 Stevens Village 37 99774 *Community Census information can be accessed via https://data.census.gov/all?q=[communityname]