HMMWV Towable Load Following 100 kW Power Unit

The U.S. Army has long recognized the need for high mobility power sources to support Future Combat System (FCS) platforms and Global War on Terror (GWOT) activities. Presently, however, the largest conventional Tactical Quiet Generator (TQG) that can be towed behind a High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) is only 15 kW. With the recent advent of commercially available turbodiesel engines designed for general aviation, the time is now ripe in history to create an ultralightweight 100 kW Power Unit that can be easily airlifted or towed behind a standard HMMWV. In addition, the proposing firm has pioneered advances in the other enabling technologies including high frequency permanent magnet alternators, hybrid power electronics, energy storage devices, and embedded control systems. An innovative plan has been developed to combine these critical technologies into a truly automatic, variable speed genset capable of supplying uninterrupted precise power with enhanced surge capabilities. By intelligently varying the engine speed to match the load, significant benefits can also be realized in terms of fuel conversion efficiency, acoustic noise signature, and long term reliability and maintainability. It is anticipated that the successful outcome of the Phase I will serve as the basis for continuation in Phase II.