Advanced Small, Lightweight Multi-Fueled 1,000 - 1,500 W Variable Speed Load Following Man-Portable Power Unit

The U.S. Army has long recognized the benefits of load following gensets in terms of substantially reducing both fuel consumption and acoustic noise signature. The overall goal for the proposed effort is to develop an advanced 1-man portable, multi-fueled, electric power unit with load following capability and selectable 120 VAC, 28 VDC, and battery charger outputs. The 1500W size range is particularly significant because it represents the smallest size genset that can handle virtually any household or commercial AC-powered product. For the present military application, the system must be extremely lightweight, compact, and must be packaged to withstand all the rigors of combat. Spectrum Research Corporation has developed a plan to meet all these objectives through the development of a compact compression ignition engine and hybrid power electronics. Through the use of an intermediate energy storage device, the proposed architecture will enable the engine to match the applied load over a 4:1 speed range while responding to full unanticipated step loads with no voltage dip. It is fully anticipated that the result of this effort will extend the range of low power Tactical Quiet Generators and serve as the basis for a highly successful commercialization effort.