The POWER MULE PROJECT: Unique Design for Resiliency, Preparedness, Workforce Development, Local Initiative. and Open-Source release
The Power Mule Project (PMP) of the Critical Services Microgrid Microgrid Group
www.avl-microgrids.com leverages our community networks, resources, and local talent to build a trailer-mounted mobile microgrid solar generator; an islandable, black start capable Microgrid, with 10.5 kw of foldable solar photovoltaic wings, power electronics, and on-board Battery Energy Storage of 45-90 kWh for powering Community Resilience Centers, Food Banks, and pop-up medical clinics that we needed during Helene.
Our design-build team is made up of professional mechanical & structural engineers; licensed electricians; Arden-based ISM Inc. a metal machining & fabrication manufacturer (https://ism-nc.com/ ); solar professionals; and 10 engineering students of the Mechatronics Engineering Ambassador Program enrolled in the four-year NC State–UNC Asheville Bachelor of Science in Engineering program.
We are raising funds to build an emergency power system to be donated to the Garren Creek Volunteer Fire Department serving the Craigtown community of Fairview. The owners of ISM, Inc. belong to the Craig family, which was most impacted by the landslide and flooding that caused heavy casualties.
https://youtu.be/YcFwpI9w_2k?si=oD0rNIOpQxyVcrRj
Our goals are to design, build, test, and commission multiple prototypes and then provide CAD/CAM digital files and documentation making the solar conveyor system available for adoption by others addressing the need for emergency backup power systems as an open source.
____________________________________________________________
On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina mountain families and communities with an unexpected force that destroyed roads, bridges, cell towers, and power lines, cutting off access, communications, and grid power in rural and small-town areas for weeks afterwards. This put a strain on our communities' Critical Services, fire and police, medical, food and water distribution, and supplies of backup power and fuel to meet our recovery needs. These are things we had all grown comfortable taking for granted.
Over the weeks after flooding and high winds receded, many responders jumped in to deliver Emergency power; for communication and Internet access, phones and laptop charging, well water pumping, refrigeration, lighting, and medical devices. Many of these were supplied by solar powered battery systems.
Our people learned the need for Resiliency and Preparedness the hard way, and the loss of our friends, neighbors, and family members' lives, and the economic damages are still being suffered.
Our response capabilities, our economy and job recovery can be strengthened, in part by creativity and entrepreneurship.
The Power Mule Project is such an effort to harness the same community spirit that served us so well in digging out from the rubble and protecting the survivors of the storm.
