Power The Force: Future Force Power Systems- Critical Enabler for Army Transformation

Advancements in military communications technology will enable better information gathering and decision making, but they require reliable, robust, quiet, and highly portable electrical power. The Free-Piston Stirling Engine generator system that is the subject of this proposal has excellent potential to meet these needs better than any identified alternatives. Stirling Technology Company’s (STC) experience with highly reliable, maintenance-free space power systems has been leveraged to develop a cost-effective, Low-Mass Stirling Power System (LSPS) conceptual design. Substantial mass reduction has been achieved through material selection, advanced alternator and heater head designs, and system-level optimization. In Phase II, STC will complete the final design, fabrication and testing of the lightweight Stirling Convertor Assembly (SCA) coupled to a high-efficiency JP-8 burner. The SCA and burner form the heart of the LSPS system conceptualized in Phase I, and their combined performance will enable the LSPS to deliver a minimum 2.5 kW net electrical output at an overall efficiency of 15%. This design for an LSPS at 2.5 kW will be readily scalable up or down in power, and will be capable of powering Future Combat System hardware in vehicle, robotic, or man-portable platforms.