Integrated Power Generation for Small Unmanned Vehicles

This program will integrate a lightweight, high efficiency alternator with a quiet, fuel efficient and high power density heavy fuel engine. The electrical power source uses a proprietary, compact and very high power-to-weight alternator using rare earth permanent magnets. It is scalable from 0.5 to 70 kW and larger. MAI''s alternator will be integrated with Engine Research Associates (ERA) Migrating Combustion Chamber (MCC) engine. This engines mechanism and cycle allow it to operate on low octane fuels like diesel and JP-8 without auto-ignition, detonation or wet stacking. It provides high efficiency, produces a very quiet, cool exhaust and has very low vibration. The MCC engine''s profile and crankshaft design made it an excellent match for integration with Magnetic Application''s (MAI) alternator. The MCC engine is scalable from 2 HP to over 200 HP. This program''s design is a 10 HP MCC engine and 1 kW alternator fully integrated to maximize efficiency and minimize total system weight. The total estimated system weight for the 1 kW alternator and 10 HP MCC engine is 21.45 lbs. or less. Estimated BSFC is 0.50 lbm/hour/brake at cruise power.