Welcome

I’ve created this blog as the discussion and information sharing forum for the hybrid power system that the US army is building in Panjshir Valley in Afghanistan.

First off, a disclaimer: Any information shared here is expressly informational and is based on my opinions and calculations. Any decisions, financial or otherwise, made based on this information is at your own risk. I have no right to enter into any contract or speak on behalf of the US Government or the US Army. The opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.

Also, everything posted here is my creation completely. Feel free to re-produce it, just properly cite it please.

Below I’ve pasted a fact-sheet that I wrote up. If anyone reading it got one before, I’ve put the edits italics.

Fact Sheet for Panjshir Valley Hybrid Energy System

The US Army wants to build the first village-scale hybrid power system to electrify the government compound (and perhaps surrounding civilian buildings) in the Panjshir Valley, Afghanistan. They’ve got around $500,000 (this may have been increased to $800,000, we'll find out in a week or so) and they want the best system they can get for that. We have to move very fast on this because the money earmarked for the project may be pulled back when a new command group takes over. The goal is to get a bid accepted by February 2, 2007. (This is less of a worry now because we think we've found a way to lock-in the money) I don’t know if this will be possible, but we’re very interested in trying.

I’m envisioning a system with approximately 100 kW of wind, battery storage for three days of power, a back-up diesel generator, a control system and a transmission and distribution system. I’m not averse to solar, but the walls of the valley are steep and the cost of solar may not be worth the investment. The contractor will be responsible for training any local staff that will need to run the system. I want the system to be very simple to run because the education level of the local population is very low. Systems requiring minimal maintenance are crucial because any maintenance requiring parts or labor from abroad will greatly increase the cost. I also want the system to be easily expandable so there is capability to add additional generation capacity as the grid grows. This is a very rough approximation of what we need and we’re flexible in the system design as long it meets the needs of the users.

The Panjshir Valley is approximately 3 hours drive from Kabul and was the home of Ahmad Shah Massoud, the leader of the Northern Alliance. It is a majestic valley with great wind. Massoud defeated the Soviets 13 times in the Panjshir before they just left him alone. The Taliban also tried to take the valley unsuccessfully numerous times. Massoud was assassinated two days before September 11th, 2001, but the Panjshiris still defend their valley with pride.

It is one of the most peaceful parts of Afghanistan; no American soldier has had any enemy contact there. Contractors have had no problems either. This is one of the only parts of the country where American soldiers travel in unarmored vehicles. They do not wear body armor or even helmets. The governor of the province recognizes the value of this project and will ensure contractors security. He may be willing to provide armed guards if it is deemed necessary.

The valley has a newly paved road, 8 meters wide and graded for large truck traffic. Specific details are available on the maximum grades and such, but there will be few problems regarding transport.

The specific site is a ridge that runs perpendicular to the prevailing valley winds. The site is approximately 400 m long and has a relatively flat on top. I think fewer, larger turbines are best for the site and the towers will need to be free-standing. The wind in the valley can be quite strong and reliable data isn’t yet available, so anything installed will need to be robust. The sides of the ridge are steep, so turbulence may be an issue.

The government compound that needs to be electrified is approximately 2.5 km from the turbine site and the spread over approximately one km. Probably 5-10 large buildings will need to be connected to the grid. Afghanistan has electrical codes which will need to be met for all construction.

The valley had two construction companies that go US quality work. They can pour concrete, move earth and build to standard, but any work they do will require oversight. They will likely be able to hire and operate any cranes or other heavy equipment necessary for construction. The valley has a lack of qualified electrical workers, but I’m sure many firms from Kabul could fill any electrical needs. Construction costs generally run about 50% of US costs. Unskilled laborers are paid $5 per day and skilled laborers are paid from $10-14 per day.