Hierarchical Intelligent Energy Resource Controlle

Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to mature the Hierarchical Intelligent Energy Resource Controller (HIREC) to address the U.S. Army need for an “intelligent” power management system that will increase dismounted soldier effectiveness and maximize mission duration. The Phase I system successfully demonstrated a wearable and intuitive power manager that was retrofittable on existing Army uniforms. This TRL-5 prototype was able to efficiently distribute power to four electronic devices while supporting real-time power monitoring and management of each component via a lightweight wrist-worn microcomputer. This system conclusively verified the HIREC concept and was successfully demonstrated to two separate groups of Army officials at Ft. Belvoir. In Phase II, POC will develop a TRL-6 (or greater) prototype that will support greater load capacity (over 10 Amp) with support for variable voltages (from 3.3 to 30 V) at each “intelligent” power distribution port on the hub. Custom algorithms included in the HIREC firmware/software will efficiently throttle device usage (either by a series of prior mission standards or body-worn sensors) to ensure minimal battery weight for each mission scenario. HIREC offers a total power management solution that functions with minimal soldier input, ensuring a focus on the main mission objectives.