Duncan Mountain Project--Proof of Concept for Remote Applications of Hybrid Power Generation Systems

In the spring of 1984, Pacific Power & Light Co. (PP&L) and Pacific Telecom, Inc. (PTI) entered into a jointly funded research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) project to investigate the feasibility and economics of providing hybrid power generation systems at remote sites. In particular, the project was intended to provide power for a microwave and radio communications facility owned and operated by the Gem State Utilities Co. (a subsidiary of PTI). The paper presents the highlights and preliminary results of the studies continuing at the chosen RD&D site at Duncan Mountain, Idaho, approximately 11 miles west of the small town of Grasmere, in the southwest quadrant of the state. The paper addresses the problems and learned solutions related to the test facility and comments on the relative merits of the various equipment utilized in the testing, however, some of this information is proprietary in nature and is not discussed. The basic conclusion of the RD&D project was that sufficiently reliable system components do readily exist and can be integrated in a hybrid configuration capable of supporting telecommunications equipment. This information, coupled with other corporate activities, led to the formation of ONSITE Energy, Inc. which affiliation will also be presented.