Powering the U.S. Army of the Future (2021) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
Executive Summary
Executive Summary
Pages 1-10
The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.
From page 1... ...
demands, the committee decided to focus the scope of the study on the power needs surrounding dismounted soldiers, existing vehicle platforms, and forward operating bases, as well as innovations under development that are expected to be in service in 2035, and technologies that could enhance the Army's capabilities to fight as part of a multi-domain force. The committee further scoped the study to place a heavy focus on the needs of an Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT)
|
From page 2... ...
These energy demands will only grow for the foreseeable future as ongoing improvements in communications, electronic sensing, artificial intelligence processing to improve battlefield situational awareness, increased vehicle mobility, and more lethal weaponry threaten to overwhelm any feasible improvements in efficiency. In finalizing its report, the committee concluded that some past power/ energy studies advocating widespread use of pure battery electric ground combat vehicles recharged in the field with mobile nuclear power plants are not likely to be technically feasible in the time frame of this report.
|
From page 3... ...
Furthermore, the technology exists today for employing closed-loop combustion controls to allow vehicles and generators to operate seamlessly between JP8 and diesel and any mixtures in between. This same technology will also improve fuel economy by adjusting injection timing for JP8 in recognition of its highly variable cetane rating.5 Given the growing need to address climate change, biodiesel (a renewable, carbon-neutral fuel)
|
From page 4... ...
The committee's analysis has concluded that all-electric ground combat vehicles and tactical supply vehicles (i.e., fully reliant on battery energy storage versus liquid fuel) are not practical for a majority of battlefield vehicles now nor in the foreseeable future for two reasons.
|
From page 5... ...
Of particular importance is the improved fuel economy of up to 20 percent that hybrids provide.8 The Army and its supporting defense industry suppliers have already initiated much encouraging work in this area. Hybrids also provide low noise and low thermal signatures while idling or traveling over short distances, using the energy stored in the battery with the onboard power electronics to operate when the ICE is shut down.
|
From page 6... ...
to provide power for a local microgrid, for a mobile weapon system, or to recharge dismounted soldier power packs. The committee identified a number of fuel-efficiency opportunities that would enable the Army to further reduce the number of presently sized fuel trucks and/or convoy trips needed to bring power and energy to the field.
|
From page 7... ...
A key question to consider is the following: When adversaries are employing drones and enhanced sensor technologies, can a ground combat vehicle brigade with or without tracks ever truly be undetectable? In terms of forward operating bases and tactical command posts, the committee was encouraged by and commends high-priority Army advancements now under way on new microgrid concepts, such as the Secure Tactical Advanced Mobile Power (STAMP)
|
From page 8... ...
However, as with the case of small nuclear power plants, they may have an appropriate place in semi-stationary bases located in permissive locations. In addition, although they were not a focus of this study, small flexible roll-up solar panels and small solar trailers now commercially available and can provide expeditionary personnel with a fallback battery charger or power source for laptop computers and radios.
|
From page 9... ...
Use of nuclear isotope–decay devices, such as those used for space probes, may be practical for remote sensors, requiring extended lifetimes with relatively low power demands. However, their relatively low powerto-weight ratio limits them to an auxiliary role (such as battery charging)
|
From page 10... ...
For example, if silent mobility and low thermal signatures are mandatory with an extended range, there may be a need to deploy a limited number of hydrogen PEM fuel cells, albeit with penalties in the number of convoy transport trucks. Some of these trade-offs for the major recommended technologies are summarized in the trade-off/decision matrix in Table ES.1.
|
Key Terms
This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More
information on Chapter Skim is available.