Solutions were sought for analysis and demonstrations of integrated district energy systems (also called “Thermal Microgrids”) to simultaneously serve variable heating and cooling loads across a group of co-located buildings. Solutions should have sought to eliminate or significantly reduce on-site fuel-fired heating systems through electrification, optimization of thermal load management, and leverage economy of scale through aggregation of thermal loads from groups of closely-sited buildings.

Implementing demonstrations of thermal microgrids requires significant planning and coordination with host sites. To minimize project risk and allow sufficient time for project teams to access information and coordinate with potential demonstration sites, these projects will be conducted in two phases. Phase 1 will consist of feasibility studies to validate proposed solutions with site data and energy models. Following Phase 1, projects that show technical and economic viability will be invited to submit proposals for Phase 2 demonstrations.

Pre-proposals were requested for Phase 1 only. The pre-proposals should have followed the general instructions provided on the ESTCP website and should have considered the following information:

• In the Technology Description section, proposers should provide information on their design approach and technologies under consideration (energy storage, water/ground/air-source heat pumps, heat recovery chillers, thermal energy loop, etc.). Information on design and engineering tools and processes, potential distributed energy resources, control strategies, revenue streams and cost savings, as well as an operations and maintenance approach should be discussed.
• In the Technical Approach section, the proposed approach for designing and modeling the system’s cost and performance should be described. No demonstration plan will be required for Phase 1 efforts. Discussion on technical risks and maturity should refer to issues associated with a potential future Phase 2 demonstration.
• In the Expected Benefits section, a qualitative and semi-quantitative description of the energy and water savings, utility cost savings and greenhouse gas reductions should be included.
• Project costs should be estimated for conducting a feasibility study at a single military installation in Phase 1.
• The Technology Transfer section should discuss activities to engage with key stakeholders involved with energy project development for military installations to facilitate information exchange and explore collaboration for a potential Phase 2 demonstration.

Funded projects will appear below as project overviews are posted to the website.