The Army has designed a power generator that uses less fuel and weighs 1.5 tons less than those currently being used by the military.
The Research, Development, and Engineering Command's Communications-Electronics Research, Development, and Engineering Center (CERDEC) collaborated with Spectrum Research Corp. of Albany, N.Y., to design and build a 100kW generator that is light enough to be towed by a Humvee but sturdy enough to go off road, according to a post on the Army Website.
The project is one of several to develop ways to use lighter materials in the standard gear soldiers must carry or tow around. The military also has been trying to find more user-friendly, cost-effective ways of getting power to soldiers in the field.
The Army has designed and is testing a 100kW generator that is 1.5 tons lighter than those currently being used, which allows it to be towed by a Humvee. A hybrid electronic architecture and variable engine could reduce fuel consumption by 20 percent. (Source: US Army)
Sometimes the two efforts coincide, as they did with the generator. Edmund A. Nawrocki, leader of the CERDEC CP&I's Advanced Electromechanical Team, said in a press release that the fuel efficiency, reduced weight and size, and improved power quality make the generator generally more versatile than those being used now, and it could help the Army reduce the number of generator sets used in the field.
The new generator also has variable speeds and is load following, which means it can adjust its output as energy use fluctuates, he said. These design features could allow for a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption and could help prevent wet stacking -- the buildup of deposits that can clog the exhaust system and damage the generator.
Fuel efficiency also comes from a hybrid electronic architecture with an energy storage subsystem that can provide uninterruptible power until the engine catches up. The generator's electromechanical components also reduce emissions, which not only helps reduce operational costs but also may prevent casualties associated with dangerous fuel runs, Nawrocki said.
The Army will evaluate the towable generator this summer. It does not have plans to produce more, but it will use testing feedback to inform future generator requirements.
Other Army projects designed to reduce the weight of items and improve power generation include the development of lighter batteries and a power-source vest. The Soldier Wearable Integrated Power System includes a main battery that can be used to power up a number of items, as well as pouch-mounted chargers and power cables for a variety of devices soldiers carry in the field.
Elizabeth, while this is useful for the Army, it certianly has commercial applications. Any generator with these specifications, if it is reliable, would sell well.
The first thing that caught my eye in the image attached to the article was the use of modular aluminum extruded structual members. While these are perfect for a prototype, one has to think about how much they contribute to the 1.5 ton weight savings. Would a production generator of this design use aluminum for its support structure (Not just modular elements as shown, but purpose-built structure)?
The question is why it even weighs a ton much less saving 1.5tons!!?
A 150HP alum diesel, a 3ph 100kw alt/ ACProulsion EV motor/ inverter and a 10kwhr, 200kw peak A123 Litium battery pack would weight 1200lbs and use 50% or less fuel using stock componants on am alum or composite skid/casing available 15 yrs ago or more except the batteries .
The challenge of any generator system is not just in making it lightweight and efficient, but more in making it durable and reliable. The abuse of being hauled off road must be seen to be understood. And the abuse suffered while "running under fire" is a lot worse than that. IT would be interesting to see another photo of that system package after one mile off-road at 45 MPH.
The sad reality is that, just like race cars, reliability is vital, and a broken generator is not very useful. And unfortunately, most of the time durability equates to more weight.
Charles, Most mil spec gens are required to work on a range of fuels from gasoline/kerosene mix, jet fuel,, diesel, veg, etc oils likely on this style field unit.
I had a similar thought when looking at the description and the picture. I like the variable speeds and load following features, as well as the towable off-road ruggedness. It looks like a good candidate for mountain living.
Jerry, as William alluded to in his post, the cause of the weight is its ruggedness. For a miliatry application this would go way beyond what you would expect for commercial or industrial applications. It's not just off-road. It's WAY off-road and pretty much needs to be built for, or have add-ons for, the most extreme environments imaginable. All of this adds weight.
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