Soldier Power

Abstract

Soldier and Small Unit Power (SUP) Systems enable dismounted Soldiers and squads to execute their missions with significantly less battery weight and enable longer missions without a daily unit re-supply of batteries. These improved renewable systems enable the warfighter to sustain themselves for extended mission duration in the most austere operating environments. This effort began as a Congressional add for development and system improvement for early fuel cell and battery technology and now develops a line of power sources and solutions suited for the individual Soldier and the small unit. These power solutions include, but are not limited to, Soldier-worn power systems, integrated power vests, power management devices and small unit generators including the platoon power generator (PPG), chargers, scavengers or harvesters; all intended for use in the most austere operating environments. An advanced, Integrated Soldier Power/Data System (ISPDS) provides the Soldier with a body-worn power/data capability that is significantly more efficient and lighter than carrying separate batteries for each device. Soldier and Small Unit Power systems address the power and energy capability gap created by the increase in mission essential, Soldier-portable power consumers, such as Situational Awareness (SA) displays, Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation, weapon sensors, precision targeting systems and portable Soldier radios. Soldier-portable power systems reduce the weight and logistical burden associated with moving fuel and primary (disposable) batteries across the conventional battlefield. By using renewable energy and power scavenging technology, Soldiers and small units are able to operate independently for longer durations without being tethered to a large generator, vehicle, or supply train. This effort supports the following requirements: August 2013 Small Unit Power MDD, September 2013 Small Unit Power Capability Development Document (CDD), March 2011 Soldier Protection CDD, the December 2011 Operational Energy Initial Capabilities Document (ICD), the Army Chief of Staff's Squad: Foundation of the Decisive Force initiative, and the December 2011 Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) Operational Energy directives. Platoon Power Generator: This project supports the demonstration and development of a Platoon Power Generator (PPG). The SUP PPG (1kW Generator) will provide small units with sufficient portable power to sustain Modified Table of Organizational Equipment (MTOE) unit power demand in support of 48 to 72 hour missions using a common logistical fuel (JP-8). It will be used for charging batteries and powering various types of Army communications and electronics devices. It will provide sufficient power to recharge and power all Platoon equipment and fulfill residual power gaps at the Squad and Soldier level. The generator will provide Platoon power for charging batteries when away from vehicles in Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCT), Armor Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) and as a power source for Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCT) in austere environments. FY16 funds allow for the award and management of R&D contracts to two manufacturers to develop and demonstrate a 1kW PPG. In the following year, these two manufacturers will be down-selected to one for further refinement and test and evaluation.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2016
• Source ID: S65_0604827A_5_2040_PB_2016

Tags

Fields of Study

• Engineering

Readers

• Electrical Engineering
• Military Training and Readiness Simulation
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

• Biotechnology
• Microelectronics
• Space
• Space - Satellites