Analysis of Energy Consumption at Scalable Contingency Basing

Contingency bases support military operations that requires immediate execution. Power requirements of these bases are normally met by using diesel generators and vary depending on the size, type, mission, and location of the base. The generators are often sized much higher than the required demand to accommodate future changes. As a result, the generators are loaded at an average of 30% of rated capacity leading to fuel wastage, lower maximum power output, higher maintenance, and additional expenses. In order to prevent this, it is important to predict the correct size and number of generators required to meet the specific power requirements of the base. This paper analyzes the power consumption of different base camp sizes ranging from a 50 personnel (PAX) base to an 11,000 PAX base. Depending on the base size, the authors selected appropriate facilities that are required for safe and effective base operation. Subsequently, the paper predicts the peak power demand of the base, energy profiles of different facilities, and the effects of scaling the base camp size. The results will provide the appropriate size and number of generators required at the bases and will result in more efficient contingency basing.