Energy management in military operational camps: A cost-benefit analysis

This paper examines some of the energy management issues in military operational camps. A simulation-based economic model was developed to assess the efficiency of energy systems for operational camps. The model involves the cost-benefit analysis method to calculate system profitability measures and Monte Carlo simulation to enable multiple replications of the method for statistical analysis. A case study using a historical Canadian Armed Forces deployment scenario in Afghanistan was used to illustrate the methodology. Two energy efficient structure systems, one for shelter insulation and one for solar shading, were examined for a 2000-man camp. The study indicated that significant reductions on energy requirements, fuel costs, and carbon emissions could be achieved through installation of energy efficient systems, such as insulation and shading structures, in military operational camps. The implementation of these systems in deployed camps would have excellent payback periods and higher rates of return.