Soldier Power

Abstract

Soldier and Small Unit Power (SUP) fills the power and energy gaps created by the increase in mission essential, Soldier portable power consumers, such as situational awareness displays, GPS systems, weapon sensors, radios, and other devices. This RDT&E line develops power sources and solutions suited for not only the individual Soldier, but for the team, squad, and platoon. These power solutions are intended for use in the most austere operating environments and include, but are not limited to, individual Soldier worn systems, integrated power vests, renewable energy, and kinetic energy harvesting. Specific systems are the Integrated Soldier Power/ Data systems (ISPDS), the Conformal Wearable Battery (CWB), the Squad Power Manager (SPM), the Universal Battery Charger (UBC), and Soldier Power Generation (SPG) Technologies. Small Unit Power systems will enable dismounted Soldiers to execute their missions with significantly less battery weight and fewer cables, permitting longer missions and fewer battery resupplies. An integrated Soldier power system will provide the Soldier with a wearable power supply that will be significantly more efficient and lighter than carrying separate batteries for each device. Soldier power systems will reduce the cost, weight, and logistical burden associated with moving fuel and primary (disposable) batteries, and allow dismounted Soldiers to operate independently for longer missions without being tethered to a large generator, vehicle, or supply train. This effort is consistent with the Sep 2013 Small Unit Power CDD, the Dec 2011 Operational Energy ICD, and the Mar 2011 Soldier Protection CDD, and the Universal Battery Charger CPD (May 2015). Platoon Power Generator - PM E2S2: 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 FY17, these two manufacturers will be down-selected to one for design refinement, test and evaluation, and preparation for production.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2017
Source ID
S65_0604827A_5_2040_PB_2017

Tags

Readers

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

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Space

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