NAVFAC Engineers Execute Energy Water · ability and water conservation at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (CLDJ) Africa. Located in an extremely arid and harsh climate with base power provided

6 Currents summer 2015

NAVFAC Engineers Execute

Energy &WaterCAMP LEMONNIER

Conservation Improvements at

Energy Saving Initiatives & Other Efforts Successful in Forward-deployed Environment

summer 2015 Currents 7

ngineers from the Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center

(NAVFAC EXWC) successfully executed several projects to promote energy sustain-

ability and water conservation at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (CLDJ) Africa.

Located in an extremely arid and harsh climate with base power provided overwhelmingly by

diesel generators, the Camp Lemonnier NAVFAC EXWC Sustainability Team reduced energy

intensity by 13.5 percent relative to the 2003 baseline by making efficiency upgrades to elec-

tric power generation and distribution, air conditioning units, and clothes washing machines.

The team also reduced electric energy use by reducing the need for potable water generation

and wastewater treatment by over 20 percent.

Their efforts were recently commended by Rear Admiral Kevin R. Slates, director of the Chief

of Naval Operations Energy and Environmental Readiness Division. “Especially in areas like

Djibouti, efforts to reduce water and fuel usage with no mission impact can be a huge cost

saver and help reduce challenging logistics burdens,” said Admiral Slates.

Like all remote military facilities, CLDJ must contend with multiple challenges regarding

energy and water use expenditures. This small country located in the Horn of Africa has a

very limited supply of fresh water, a harsh climate, and an unreliable electric power grid.

Because of the camp’s rapidly evolving mission with changing staffing requirements, flexible,

sustainable infrastructure is particularly important.

E

HOW IT ALL BEGANThe Energy Policy Act of 2005 and Exec-utive Orders 13423 (StrengtheningFederal Environmental, Energy, andTransportation Management) and 13514(Federal Leadership in Environmental,Energy, and Economic Performance) allset mandatory goals that call for annualreductions in energy and waterconsumption as well as increased use ofrenewable energy and metering.

To identify what it would take to helpCLDJ achieve its regulatory and ExecutiveOrder goals, engineers from the NavalFacilities Engineering Command’s Engi-neering Service Center (NAVFAC ESC),now NAVFAC EXWC, traveled to the campin 2008. They reviewed the base masterplan supplied by NAVFAC Atlanticpersonnel, and conducted a preliminaryfacility sustainability assessment. Theteam concluded that CLDJ is unique froma sustainability perspective for thefollowing reasons:

1. The facility’s staffing and missionrequirements are evolving, so infrastructure must bereadably adaptable to changing needs.

2. The region does not have a reliable electric grid orpotable water, so the base must be entirely self-sufficient.

3. The harsh climate imposes serious challenges in termsof developing sustainable infrastructure.

After several follow-up discussions with NAVFAC EuropeAfrica Southwest Asia, the NAVFAC ESC team again trav-eled to CLDJ to begin gathering data and researchingpotential solutions. They recommended that CLDJ imple-ment the following efforts:

1. Address Containerized Living Unit (CLU) energy use.

2. Conduct energy sustainability studies.

3. Assess water conservation and aquifer sustainability.

4. Identify solid waste reduction opportunities.

5. Study the feasibility of solar photovoltaic systems.

6. Implement street lighting and conduct an energy audit.

7. Assess the viability of wind power.

8. Assess the efficiency and reliability of the camp’s elec-tric grid.

ADDRESSING CONTAINERIZEDLIVING UNIT ENERGY USEThe inherent challenge with reducing energy usage at CLDJexists because of the climate in Djibouti. The average hightemperature in January is 84 degrees Fahrenheit (F) withnearly 80 percent average humidity. In July, the average hightemperature is 106 degrees F with 43 percent humidity.These climate conditions require year-round air condi-tioning, which contributes to the base’s high energy costs.Because of this, the air conditioning systems used in CLDJ’shousing units were one of the team’s highest priorities, andthe largest single factor in reducing energy consumption.

CLDJ base personnel are primarily housed in metalCLUs, which are constructed by converting shippingcontainers into living spaces. The original CLUs werefurnished with window air conditioners, which provided


The camp estimated that CLU air conditioning consumedapproximately 40 percent of its total energy load.


The old (right) and new (left) CLU airconditioning units at Camp Lemonnier.

Bruce Holden

Camels are a common sight in Djibouti. Bruce Holden

uneven cooling at an unacceptablyhigh noise level.

Just as important, these units place ahigh energy demand on the camp’sdiesel fuel resources. The camp esti-mated that CLU air conditioningconsumed approximately 40 percentof its total energy load. It was thoughtthat this could be significantly

ventilation and air conditioning test.NAWS China Lake was chosen as thetest location due to its extremesummer weather conditions, withoutside air temperature approachinglevels experienced at CLDJ. A 20-footinsulated shipping container, similarin size and insulation performance toa single CLU room at CLDJ, was usedto measure heat gain and experimentwith several methods to distributecooled air within the container.

These experimental data were used inconjunction with a building energymodeling software program to iden-tify potential CLU energy conservationmeasures. It was determined that theexisting 24,000 British Thermal Units(BTU) per hour window-type air condi-tioning units were much too large. Aunit with 9,000 BTU per hour capacitywas all that was required. This smallerunit would be less expensive topurchase and would provide betterhumidity control. The NAVFAC EXWC

reduced by improving the overallenergy efficiency of the CLUs.

The objectives of this effort were to:

1. Identify the most energy efficientsplit air conditioning unit that wasappropriate in a high humidityenvironment.

2. Use energy modeling and perfor-mance testing to identify therequired cooling capacity.

3. Determine the optimum locationfor the evaporation portion of thesystem so that temperature differ-ences within the living space wereminimized.

4. Provide design specifications toimprove the energy efficiency fornewly-purchased CLUs.

This effort began in August 2011, asNAVFAC EXWC and Naval AirWeapons Station (NAWS) China Lakepersonnel collaborated on a heating,


separate study in 2010 explored the potentialfor geothermal energy at CLDJ. The geo-thermal energy potential of Djibouti is esti-

mated to be significant according to studies conductedintermittently since the 1970s, primarily by Djiboutianand Icelandic investigators. While the Navy GeothermalProgram Office found no clear evidence of geothermalresources beneath or directly adjacent to the camp, itcompiled a report detailing how to conduct a geother-mal resource assessment/exploration process.

A geothermal resource must possess heat, fluids, andpermeability to be a successful productionprospect. As with the discovery of any naturalresource in the ground, prospecting for geo-thermal energy revolves around identifyingindicators of the occurrence of that resource.The process involves gathering and interpretinga wide variety of tectonic and geologic data tocreate a picture, or model, for the presence ofa geothermal resource in the ground and thenvalidating that model through actual drilling.

If a more comprehensive geothermal study isundertaken, the first stage would be a two-yearexploration program in which detailed geologi-cal and geophysical data would be gatheredand used to create a three-dimensional modelwith specific drilling targets. This stage alsoincludes drilling several test holes to approximately 500feet. This effort would result in a geologic model thatwould enable the NAVFAC EXWC Sustainability Team todetermine whether additional geotechnical studies arerequired or sufficient information exists to proceed tothe next stage which involves drilling deep discoverywells to a depth of 3,000 to 5,000 feet.

Altogether, if sufficient geothermal resources are foundat or near Camp Lemonnier, the total time from incep-tion of exploration to an operating power plant is esti-mated to be a minimum of seven years. Prior to actualconstruction of a power plant, upfront costs for explo-ration and well development are estimated to be up to$17 million with no guarantee that an economicallyviable resource will be discovered.

If resources are found off-base, a host of other issuessuch as security and contracting issues would have tobe addressed. Fortunately, there is a strong desire onthe part of the Djiboutian government to work with theDepartment of Defense (DoD) in the exploration forand development of resources. Two firms, ReykjavikGeothermal and Geothermal Development Associates,have also inquired if the DoD might be interested inentering into a Power Purchase Agreement. These firmshave completed preliminary explorations in the nearbyLac Asal region, a known source of geothermal energy.If an agreement were to be reached, it is conceivablethat a power plant could be online in three or four years.

The payback from geothermal energy is potentially verysignificant but the upfront costs are non-trivial and mustbe accepted before the exploration process can begin.

A

Close-up of Lac Asal geothermal area shows salt crytalized on exposed rocks.

Bruce Holden

Geothermal Potential?

Lac Asal is a region that has beenidentified as a promising area forgeothermal power development.Bruce Holden

The camp’s replacement of all CLU air conditioning units has been the biggest energy conservation success.


A U.S. airman walks towards a housing areacomposed of CLUs at CLDJ. The triple-stackedunits showed a three to five percent reduction

in necessary power to cool the first and second levels simply by being shaded.

MC1 Class Eric Dietrich

Camels along the road to Lac Asal, a promising geothermal region. Bruce Holden

team also determined that theoptimum split type units had morethan twice the electrical energy effi-ciency of the existing window units.

Split unit systems are so namedbecause they have two components—

purchases and ensured that thecorrect systems were installed atCamp Lemonnier.

Since CLU air conditioning was thelargest single source of electricity useon the camp, the camp’s replace-ment of all CLU air conditioning unitshas been the biggest energy conser-vation success.

In addition to the CLU air conditioningunit replacement, the NAVFAC EXWCteam also investigated the use of CLUshading structures and several report-edly highly thermal reflective paints.Both technologies were initially testedat the NAVFAC EXWC facility in PortHueneme, California. They were latertested at CLDJ. Unfortunately, theCLDJ testing proved that neither ofthese approaches provided significantvalue in reducing the load on the CLUair conditioning units, and theshading structures did not pass long-term wind durability testing so theseideas were not pursued.

an exterior compressor/condenser,and one or more interior unitsinstalled on a wall or ceiling. Refrig-erant is pumped through tubing fromthe outdoor condenser andcompressor to the indoor unit(s).Indoor air to be cooled is drawnacross the unit’s interior evaporatorcoil and distributed via a fan.Humidity is removed from the room’sinterior via a drain in the indoor unit.

Subsequent to the NAWS China Laketesting, the NAVFAC EXWC teamperformed numerous tests at CLDJ toidentify the optimum location for theunit’s evaporator such that tempera-ture differences within the livingspace were minimized. NAVFACEXWC engineers also completedperformance electrical measurementsto verify the results from the buildingenergy modeling efforts. NAVFACAtlantic personnel incorporated thesplit heating, ventilation, and airconditioning systems into all new CLU

CONDUCTING ENERGYSUSTAINABILITYSTUDIESBecause of the inherent instability ofthe Djiboutian power grid, the Navyhas chosen to generate almost allelectricity at CLDJ by onsite dieselgenerators. The Djiboutian power gridhas been known to fail up to severaltimes a day for hours at a time. Evenwhen the power is available from theDjiboutian power grid, its cost isabove the approximately $0.43 perkilowatt hour for the CLDJ generators.

To help reduce this dependence onfuel, NAVFAC EXWC personneltasked the National Defense Centerfor Energy and Environment(NDCEE), operated by ConcurrentTechnologies Corporation (CTC), tooversee two energy reduction effortsat Camp Lemonnier.

Part of the effort to reduce consump-tion included an assessment of theenergy grid. For this task, NDCEEhired Lockheed Martin to conduct anenergy grid assessment. The goals ofthis assessment were to reduce fuelconsumption by increasing generatoroperating efficiency and to increaseoverall system reliability and security.System reliability risks were alsoassessed through the examination ofpower source and distribution compo-nents by exposing single-point failuresin the distribution and control design.

Lockheed Martin engineers spent oneweek on site gathering informationpertaining to the generation, distribu-tion and loading of the current powergrid, which they then entered intotheir proprietary Microgrid PlanningTool to evaluate the power andenergy balances between the loadsand the sources. Through this tool,

Lockheed Martin engineers developedvarious options for reducing fuelconsumption and documented theirrecommendations.

About the GeneratorsGenerators operate most efficientlyat 75 to 80 percent of capacity. Asthe generator loading falls below this

amp Lemonnier is located on the south sideof the Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport.Originally, the camp belonged to the artillery

of France’s 5th Overseas Task Force (5thRIAOM) and was named for a French general.Following use by the 5th RIAOM, the facilitywas operated by the Djiboutian Armed Forces.The U.S. government took up residence in May2003 with the Combined Joint Task Force-Hornof Africa staff, a Marine Corp-based organiza-tion. In January 2007, it was announced thatCamp Lemonnier would be expanded from 97acres to nearly 500 acres. As part of theprocess of transferring the base from an“ expeditionary” base to an enduring facility,tents were replaced with CLUs. CampLemonnier is now under the command ofCommander, Navy Region Europe, Africa,Southwest Asia and is part of the U.S. Africa

Command. The camp has over 4,000 residents. Formore about CLDJ, visit www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnreurafswa/installations/camp_lemonnier_djibouti.html. C

The Basics About Camp Lemonnier


Camp Lemonnier relies almost entirely ondiesel fuel to power the base. Bruce Holden

Improvements to the operation of the energy grid could reducethe amount of fuel needed to produce electricity by up to 13 percent.


level, the generator becomes lessefficient, which results in unburnedfuel exhausted into the atmosphere.The result is carbon buildup insidethe generators, requiring anincreased maintenance frequency toremove the carbon. Underloadingthe generators also affects the enginebearings, resulting in greater mainte-nance requirements and shorteroverall lifespan.

The Lockheed Martin team studiedthe efficiency and performance ofevery generator at CLDJ. Their reportidentified underperforming andunderutilized generators and recom-mended installing an intelligent soft-ware control system to ensure thatthe most efficient generators areutilized to optimum capacity, and thethat the use of the lowest performinggenerators are avoided except as alast resort. This control system wouldintegrate all prime power generators,regardless of manufacturer, and addsan additional layer to the existingcontrol system.

they were chosen for demonstrationand validation at CLDJ.

HPWHs are designed to operate bestat 40 to 90 degrees F. Although it isfrequently hotter than this at CLDJ,positioning the water heaters inside abuilding has a secondary benefit.Because the HPWH absorbs heatfrom the air around it and pulls it into heat water, it also cools the spacewhere it is installed.

A HPWH was demonstrated at CLDJby NDCEE personnel to evaluate itsperformance and to measure theresultant energy savings compared toa baseline conventional water heater.

Energy modeling was also used tomodel the recovery rate of theHPWHs and to calculate themaximum shower duration per day

Changing PowerDistributionThe Lockheed Martin team alsorecommended extending the primepower distribution feeders to includeareas of CLDJ that had been servicedby less efficient spot generators.Transferring these loads to the primepower generators is estimated toresult in a savings of approximately$1.2 million per year based on areduction of 320,000 gallons/year ofdiesel fuel. In addition to extendingthe grid, the Lockheed Martin teamalso recommended that the existingprime power generators be integratedinto one grid.

In total, the Lockheed Martin-recom-mended improvements to the opera-tion of the energy grid could reducethe amount of fuel needed toproduce electricity at Camp Lemon-nier by up to 13 percent. Since thisreport was prepared, several of itsrecommendations have already beenimplemented including extending theelectric grid, phasing out the leastefficient generators and intercon-necting the Camp’s grid.

Heat Pump Water HeatersConventional water heaters use elec-tricity or fuel to heat incoming water toa desired temperature. The water isstored in an insulated tank until used.Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH) useheat naturally present in the ambientair to heat the water and rely on elec-tricity only to move the heat, resultingin a decrease in energy requirements.Because these water heaters can betwo to three times more efficient thanconventional electric water heaters,

Diesel generators at one ofCLDJ’s power plants.

Bruce Holden

A heat pump water heater. Stephen Schroth

that could occur under desired condi-tions. For laundry purposes, modelingwas used to calculate the maximumnumber of loads per day that couldbe washed and the maximumnumber of loads per hour whilemaintaining the desired washtemperatures.

The results of the demonstration andwater use modeling effort indicatedthat implementing HPWHs will resultin significant energy savings at CLDJ.Annual energy savings for oneHPWH unit for ablution (shower andrestroom) use is estimated at $1,500with a simple payback of 2.1 years.Annual energy savings for oneHPWH unit at the laundry is esti-mated at $4,466 with a simplepayback of 0.7 years.

ASSESSING WATERCONSERVATION & AQUIFERSUSTAINABILITYIn addition to a punishing climate,Djibouti suffers from a scarcity offresh water. Currently, CLDJ usesbrackish groundwater beneath thecamp as their primary water supply.This water is processed through a

reverse osmosissystem before it issuitable for drinking.In conjunction withhydrologists from theU.S. Geological Survey,NAVFAC EXWC engi-neers conducted astudy of groundwaterquality and prepared amodel to help evaluatecurrent and potentialimpacts of the campon the local watertable. Their findingsindicate that the campis having a minimalimpact to the watertable. However, the city of Djibouti isdepleting the groundwater at a fasterrate than it is being replenished, dueto its high temperatures, low rainfalland high evaporation rates. Saltwaterintrusion has already been affectingsome of the city’s wells, raisingconcerns about long-term sustain-ability of the water supply. For thesereasons, water conservation is a highpriority at CLDJ.

NAVFAC EXWC engineers conducted awater conservation study and inven-tory in January 2012 with follow-up

study and inventory in April 2012. Aninventory of water fixtures and testingof fixture flow rates was conducted toquantify water consumption in maleand female ablution CLUs. The largestoverall usage of water on the camp isfor showering. Other primary uses ofwater include laundry operations,vehicle and aircraft washing, toilets,and rest room unit sinks.

Based on the findings and observationsfrom this study, options were summa-rized into immediate, intermediate, andlong-term recommendations.

Because of their dramatic impacts tooverall water savings, the installationof low-flow shower heads and water-efficient washing machines was initi-ated immediately. After less than sixmonths, actual observed reduction inwater use from the installation of 238low-flow shower heads and 72 newwashing machines was 13 milliongallons per year or 17 percent ofoverall base water use. Based on a$0.05 per gallon water productionand treatment cost, the installation ofthe first set of shower heads was estimated to save approximately


CLDJ Water Usage

The groundwater in Dijibouti is very limited and has a high salt content. Shown here is the camp’s combined discharge from its wastewater treatment plant and reverse osmosis water treatment facility. Even though the groundwater has a high salt content, wild dogs still use it as a drinking water source.Bruce Holden

The resulting base-wide water savings are expected to reach 24 percent or 19 million gallons per year.


$1 million per year. The remaining771 shower heads and high-efficiencywashing machines have beeninstalled, and the resulting base-widewater savings are expected to reach24 percent or 19 million gallons (over$2 million per year).

Recommendations in the interme-diate timeframe include installingwater meters to better track wateruse, surveying and repairing leaks ona regular basis, and installing drinking

being combusted. The incineratorswere using up to 1,000 gallons perday of diesel fuel.

In 2012, the NAVFAC EXWC teamconducted a solid waste characteriza-tion to identify the composition andamount of waste generated by thecamp. The characterization entailedphysically sorting solid waste intoselect categories. The intent of thecharacterization was to analyze thefeasibility of energy recapture fromthe incinerators, look at theeconomics of a waste-to-energy (WtE)system, and identify opportunities toreduce the moisture content of thewaste stream entering the incinera-tors. The study found the camp gener-ated 12 tons per day of solid waste,with food waste accounting forapproximately 30 percent of thecamp’s total waste stream,contributing to an overall moisturecontent of 40 percent.

Diverting the majority of this foodwaste would aid the camp inachieving its diversion goals as well ashelp the incinerators sustain a more

fountains with water bottle fixtures toencourage the reuse of water bottles.The drinking water distributionsystem and drinking fountains arecurrently being installed.

Most of the long-term recommenda-tions for water conservation relate tothe treatment of wastewater. Thewastewater plant at CLDJ currentlytreats approximately 180,000 gallonsper day of wastewater. Of this,125,000 gallons per day could theo-retically be treated to tertiary stan-dards and made available for waterreuse applications. However, little ofthe available reuse water is actuallybeing used. This low reuse rate is afunction of not having a good reusewater distribution system.

IDENTIFYING SOLIDWASTE REDUCTIONOPPORTUNITIESIn October 2009, the NAVFAC EXWCteam traveled to Camp Lemonnier toobtain onsite solid waste generationand disposal (recycling, incinerationand landfilling) data. The team foundthat in fiscal year 2009 (FY09), CLDJincinerated 7,897.52 tons of solidwaste at a cost of $650,000. ForFY09, the camp had a diversion rateof 1.04 percent. This was far belowthe diversion goals of 40 percent for2010 and 50 percent for 2015 set inExecutive Orders 13423 and 13514.

A challenge to meeting its diversiongoals was the low performance of thecamp’s incinerators. The incineratorswere experiencing structural internaldecomposition in part due to the highmoisture content of the solid waste

Abigail Goss

Bruce Holden

New shower heads, sink aerators and clothes washers at CLDJ are estimated

to save approximately $2.2 million per year in water costs.

At the outset of this effort, the camp had just a 1.04 percent diversion rate for recycling,well below the DoD’s 40 percent goal.

complete combustion and run muchmore efficiently. The heat content ofthe solid waste material was calculatedto determine the energy available.WtE was feasible, but the current inef-ficient operations of the camp’s incin-erator made it undesirable at the time.

NAVFAC EXWC engineers recom-mended that the camp install thefollowing:

1. Sorting Conveyor

A sorting conveyor will increasethe diversion rate, remove non-combustibles and reduce theamount of moisture in the wastesent to the incinerator.

2. Shredder

A dual axle shear shredder willreduce the particle size of solidwaste material to create betterrefuse-derived fuel. It would alsoshred plastic bottles, therebyremoving excess water containedtherein.

3. Composting System

There is a suitable feedstock (foodwaste) to compost at CLDJ, andthe incinerator’s fuel usageprovides a cost savings incentiveto implement this program.Compost can be used as a soilamendment for the planting ofground cover, which would aid in

dust suppression. Adding compostto soil also aids in water retentionand provides organic material.

The addition of a new galley on thecamp in 2012 had the potential toalter the waste composition enteringthe incinerators, so a second solidwaste characterization was conductedin 2013. The purpose of this follow-up


CLDJ Waste Generation

AVFAC EXWC is the Navy’s premieractivity for facilities and expeditionarytechnology solutions, engineering ser-

vices, equipment logistics and products neededto equip the fleet and meet warfighter require-

ments. NAVFAC EXWC alsodelivers specialized engi-neering and technology solu-

tions that support sustainable facilities and pro-vides logistics and expeditionary systems sup-port for Navy combat force capabilities.

For more information about NAVFAC EXWC,visit www.navfac.navy.mil/navfac_worldwide/specialty_centers/exwc.html.

NThe Basics About the Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center

The camp generated 12 tons per day of solid waste, with food wasteaccounting for approximately 30 percent of the camp’s total waste stream.


study was to quantify any changes inthe moisture content and WtE poten-tial. In general, the results of the 2013waste characterization were similar tothe results of the 2012 study. It wasdetermined that WtE was still noteconomically viable.

NAVFAC EXWC engineers developedan integrated solid waste manage-ment plan in 2013 that served as anupdate to the plan developed in2009 and included the followingrecommendations:

1. Modify waste collection andsegregation.

2. Convey incinerator ash off-site forproper disposal.

3. Ensure that sufficient space isavailable for a recycling center.

4. Develop a composting system.

5. Eliminate the use of plastic waterbottles and reduce the number ofliquid-filled water bottles beingsent to the incinerator.

6. Ensure that construction anddemolition debris is reused orrecycled.

7. Eliminate the use of a local opendump through a combination ofrecycling, incinerating andcomposting.

Based on the original 2009 recom-mendations, NAVFAC EXWCpurchased two vertical balers,recycle bins, a truck scale, palletscale and scale management systemto help CLDJ with solid wastemanagement. In 2013, CTCconducted a solid waste manage-

highest solar radiation levels. Todemonstrate the potential for solarpower, solar photovoltaic (PV) panelswere installed in 2010 by NAWS ChinaLake personnel on the roof of a singlecamp CLU. The installation included adata acquisition system so the teamcould monitor the system perfor-mance for a one-year test period.

ment technology studyand recommended aspecific compostingsystem and shredder.

NAVFAC EXWC personnelprepared an EnergyConservation InvestmentProgram (ECIP) submittalfor the acquisition of theshredder and composter.The ECIP was approvedand will fund the capitalcost and a portion of theoperation and maintenancecost and is slated for instal-lation in FY15.

To help reduce the camp’sreliance on bottled water,CLDJ recently switched to awater distribution system(piped water). This hashelped to reduce thenumber of water bottles incineratedor diverted off-base. Construction of anew landfill was initiated in 2012.When finished, some waste (such ascompost and noncombustible mate-rial) can be disposed of there.

STUDYING THEFEASIBILITY OF SOLARPHOTOVOLTAICSYSTEMSAs a result of NAVFAC EXWC’s initial2008 assessment, it was determinedthat solar-generated electric powermight be one of the best options forincorporating renewable power atCLDJ and thus reduce diesel fuelconsumption associated with theexisting generators. Djibouti is locatedin an area of the world with one of the

Dust build-up caused electrical output from the PV panels on installed on a single camp CLU to fall 30 percent in just one month.

PV panels are now cleaned three times per week by an automatic sprinkler system.

A 12-PV CLU roof-mounted system wasinstalled in September 2012.

Unfortunately, due to the dust,wind, and heat, the data acquisitionsystem failed within two months.After a three-month period withoutdata, the data acquisition systemwas briefly brought back on-line. Atthis point the demonstration wassuspended. The limited results fromthis study showed that the electricaloutput was significantly reduced bya dust build-up on the panels, withthe electric output falling up to 30percent in one month. Particularlyin the summer, Djibouti suffers fromvery frequent dust storms, so theseresults were probably not atypical.

Based on these results, it wasdecided to proceed with a newdemonstration that included apanel washing system, animproved data acquisition system,and high-temperature ratedinverters. The original PV systemwas removed and a 12-CLU roof-mounted system was installed inSeptember 2012. Performance data were collected on thenew system for a 7-month demonstration period. At the 7-month point, the new data acquisition system failedduring a severe storm, although the system continues toproduce approximately 57,000 kilowatt hours of electricity

per year. The main result of this demonstration was todetermine that washing the panels three times per weekwas sufficient to maintain the system performance.Although the system currently uses potable water for thecleanings, in the future, reuse water could be employed.

The CLDJ PV panel installation team. Back row, left to right: Builder Constructionman (BUCN)Carnes; Construction Electrician Petty Officer 3rd Class Zonis; Construction Electrician’s Petty Officer 2nd Class Piza; BUCN Seabee Combat Warfare, Michael Coria; Sam Edwards, NAWS China Lake; Matt Malone, NAWS China Lake. Front row, left to right: Steelworker Petty Officer 3rd Class Darcy Via, BUCN Hill, Utilitiesman Constructionman Smith.


NAME TITLE TELEPHONE EMAIL ADDRESSLawrence Batch Environmental Engineer 805-982-1335, DSN: 551-1335 [email protected] Chavez Environmental Engineer 805-982-5314, DSN: 551-5314 [email protected] Fann Environmental Engineer 805-982-1016, DSN: 551-1016 [email protected] Griffin Chemical Engineer 805-982-2267, DSN: 551-2267 [email protected] Hammett Hydrologist 805-982-4839, DSN: 551-4839 [email protected] Holden Environmental Engineer 805-982-6050, DSN: 551-6050 [email protected] Kudo Mechanical Engineer 805-982-4976, DSN: 551-4976 [email protected] Malone* Electronics Engineer 760-939-1184, DSN: 437-1184 [email protected] Rotty Environmental Engineer 805-982-4886, DSN: 551-4886 [email protected] Scoff Mechanical Engineer 805-982-3572, DSN: 551-3572 [email protected]*NAWS China Lake employee

The Camp Lemonnier NAVFAC EXWC Sustainability Team

Over the one-year period, the induction lightsused 56 percent less energy than the High Pressure Sodium fixtures.


IMPLEMENTING ASTREET LIGHTINGIMPROVEMENTPROGRAMEarly in the sustainability program,street lighting at the camp was identi-fied as an area where significant energyimprovement could be achieved. At theonset of this project, there were over500 High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lightfixtures installed at CLDJ.

A NAVFAC EXWC task force undertooka one-year demonstration to deter-mine a more efficient lighting solutionto replace the HPS fixtures. In additionto reduced energy usage, the team’sgoals also included equal or betterlighting performance with appropriateillumination. The team performed amarket survey of information on threetechnologies—induction lighting, Light-emitting Diode (LED) and plasmalights. Plasma lighting was eliminated

atmosphere. Wind velocity is measuredby detecting the shift in the reflection ofthe chirp. This device measures wind at20 meter intervals from 40 meters to200 meters high. The unit takes 10minute averages and records windspeed, direction, and vertical speed.

The wind resource at CLDJ was foundto be poor. The average wind speed at80 meters is 4.6 meters per second(m/s) or 10.3 miles per hour. At 40meters, the wind speed is 4.3 m/s(9.6 miles per hour). In most cases,this would be a non-starter for a windproject since the minimum speedusually required for such a projectmust be at least 13 miles per hour atthe turbine’s hub height. But due tothe high cost of energy at CLDJ, aneconomic analysis was performed.

Because CLDJ has an airfield and isnext to an airport, there are restric-tions that would limit the height ofany wind turbine. Analyses wereperformed for two turbines of accept-able size. However, the combinationof low performance and highconstruction costs clearly showed thatneither project would break even. Forall of these reasons, wind is not acost-effective energy alternative forCamp Lemonnier.

from consideration since it was not yeta proven technology. So the demon-stration proceeded with inductionlighting and LED fixtures. Four induc-tion and two LED fixtures wereprocured, installed, and monitoredover a period of one year.

After a year, both lighting technologiesperformed as expected, with noobserved drop-off in light intensity.Although the LED technology showedlower energy usage per kilowatt hour(kWh), the associated procurementscosts are double that of the inductionlight. In addition, the LED bulbs provideless illumination, and CLDJ personnelencountered difficulty installing thefixtures to the existing street light poles.

Over the one-year period, the induc-tion lights used 56 percent less energythan the HPS fixtures. This translatesto an annual savings of $139,000with an expected payback period ofless than four years.

NAVFAC EXWC personnel recom-mended the procurement of induc-tion light technology for retrofit of all544 of the lamps in street lights atCLDJ. CLDJ submitted an ECIPproposal which was approved. Streetlight retrofits are slated for FY15.

INVESTIGATING WIND POWER A feasibility analysis for wind turbinepower was performed at Camp Lemon-nier between April 2011 and June 2012.Data were collected using a SonicDetection and Ranging (SODAR) unit—a device that is placed on the groundand sends sonic “chirps” into the

Jeff Heath, a former NAVFAC EXWC engineer, in front of the SODAR unit that measures wind velocity. Lawrence Batch

NAVFAC EXWC personnel recommended the procurement of induction light technology for the lamps in all of CLDJ’s street lights.

SAVINGS TO DATEIn total, the NAVFAC EXWC-initiatedprojects to reduce electricity use andproduce renewable energy havereduced the total camp electric loadby an estimated 3.4 percent. Thesplit air conditioning improvementsalone are estimated to save1,575,276 kilowatt hours per year. Intotal, these electric savings reducedthe camp’s need for fuel oil by over400 gallons per day. Additionalefforts by CLDJ to consolidate thecamp’s electric grid into a single gridand phase out their least efficientdiesel generators has led to anoverall 13.5 percent reduction inenergy intensity relative to the 2003baseline. Water savings from NAVFACEXWC’s efforts have been even moresubstantial. A 22 percent reduction inwater use has been achieved.

Significant additional savings willoccur once the following ECIP projectsare completed:

1. Food Waste Composting

Food waste composting will reducethe quantity of fuel oil required tooperate the waste incinerators byup to 1,500 gallons per day.

2. Street Lighting Retrofits

Street lighting retrofits will result indaily savings of 1,835 kWh.

3. Reuse Water Piping System

A reuse water piping system willsave potable water once new mili-tary construction projects are initi-ated that are designed to utilizereuse water. Potential savingscannot be estimated at this time.

NAVFAC EXWC has spent $4.9 millionon this five-year effort. Overall, theexpected payback period is 1.6 years.In addition to cost savings, anotherimportant benefit to these projects is

improved energy security achieved bythe reduced consumption of fuel torun the camp’s generators.

HOW OTHERS CAN BENEFITThe energy-saving practices beingenacted at Camp Lemonnier havewide-ranging implications, particu-larly for military bases located in hotor remote climates. Facilities in Cali-fornia and the American Southwest,for example, are already subject towater shortages, and many basesworldwide struggle with high energycosts. For Forward Operating Basespowered by diesel generators, theinformation provided in these reportsand assessments provide valuableassistance with improving generatorperformance as well as cuttingenergy demand.

News about the CLU air conditioningimprovements (known as theSuperCLU) is spreading. SoldierWarfighter Operationally ResponsiveDeployer for Space (SWORD) is usinga SuperCLU administrative structureas a Command Launch Center for itstest site in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

SWORD is a joint DoD/National Aero-nautics and Space Administrationproject to develop and demonstrate avery low-cost expendable nano-launchvehicle for on-call delivery of minia-turized satellites into Earth’s orbit.

Transformative Reductions in Opera-tional Energy Consumption (TROPEC)just concluded a test of the SuperCLUat Anderson Air Force Base in Guam.TROPEC is an assessment platformfor expeditionary camp solutions. The Army and Air Force conductedconcurrent tests. The Army hasrequested use of the SuperCLU proto-type for 12 months. The NAVFACEXWC team has been coordinatingfunding with U.S. Army NatickSoldier Research, Development andEngineering Center.

For more information on any of theseprojects, contact one of the membersof the Camp Lemonnier NAVFACEXWC Sustainability Team. �

Dave ChavezNaval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary

Warfare Center 805-982-5314DSN: [email protected]


NAVFAC Engineers Execute Energy Water · ability and water conservation at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (CLDJ) Africa. Located in an extremely arid and harsh climate with base power provided

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