Alternative Energy Systems

To provide electricity for a hardened shelter during a grid down situation or to permanently live off the grid requires a source of alternative energy, meaning energy not provided by a utility company.   

A building can be connected to both a public power company (the grid) and have a back-up alternative energy system.  A device referred to an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) installed near the electrical meter of the building automatically feeds electricity from the grid or the back-up system to the building. 

Alternative energy systems can be fossil fuel or non-fossil fuel (green energy) driven, and be a combination of these systems.   The appropriate alternative energy system for your project is a determined by location, geography, and weather patterns; and each system has its pros and cons. 

Energy sources are categorized as either being baseload power providing electricity 24 hours per day, or peak load power providing electricity when the sun shines or the wind blows.   If baseload power is not available, then peak load power systems require battery storage to provide electricity 24 hours per day.  The downside to peak load power systems is their short service life and degradation of efficiency during their service life.      

The ideal situation for reliable off-grid base load energy production is having a tall waterfall near your shelter with an abundant volume of water connected to a hydropower turbine and/or a gas well connected to a natural gas generator. When these energy sources are not available, off the shelf diesel generators, solar and wind systems, and other power systems are relied upon.   Please note that for life safety reasons we do not recommend and will not install a propane gas system in an underground hardened shelter project.  Please also note that diesel, biofuel, oil, and some natural gas systems require fuel storage tanks, which have special engineering and Fire Code requirements regarding their location and operation.  Fuel storage tanks are engineered systems and we have extensive experience with these systems. 

Every Blackstone Hardened Shelter project has different energy requirements.  The size of the energy system is a function of the project power load, meaning the power requirements for appliances, devices, lights, equipment, etc., using electricity.  All electrical systems including alternative energy systems for hardened shelter projects are engineered systems. 

We have the engineering and installation expertise to ensure the appropriate electrical and alternative energy systems are installed in your project.