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Pacific Energy Assurance Renewables Laboratory (PEARL) Microgrid

PEARL is a renewable energy microgrid project demonstrating new ways for military facilities to address energy needs, mission assurance and cybersecurity. PEARL provides a measure of energy assurance to guard against natural disasters, cyber threats, and disruptions in power, helping to ensure continued operations for the Hawaiʻi Air National Guard, 154th Wing. PEARL is a multiyear collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory and National Guard to expand the use of renewable energy technologies such as hydrogen, photovoltaic, and energy storage systems. PEARL also serves as a business and technical prototype for the State in achieving its 2045 renewable portfolio standard.

PEARL Photos

PEARL microgrid
PEARL Microgrid
PEARL with rainbow in background
Capturing “Rainbow Energy” for Use in Pearl
PEARL's Battery Energy Storage System
PEARL’s Battery Energy Storage System
The Burns and McDonnell Team
The Burns and McDonnell Team
PEARL
PEARL as Completed and Tested in March 2024
PEARL Power Distribution Center
PEARL Power Distribution Center
PEARL technical diagram
PEARL Technical Diagram
PEARL Meters and Control Systems
PEARL Meters and Control Systems
PEARL team
The PEARL Team

Capabilities

  • Energy assurance and resilience for the Hawaiʻi Air National Guard F-22 campus
  • Seamless transition to island mode/grid-tied
  • Remote – automated switchgear 
  • Black start in island mode

Current PEARL Technical Specs

  • Planned peak 1MW load
  • Serves both HIANG critical and non-critical loads
  • 1MW/600kWH battery
  • Storage of excess solar
  • Critical power support during generator start
  • 1MW diesel generator tier 2
PEARL diagram