Alternative Energy Sources Augmenting and/or Replacing Existing Generators

This SBIR proposal will develop/demonstrate the integration of advanced energy power generation and storage-units into a flexible power mini-grid allowing all future military units to interconnect and share power generation, storage and use requirements. System accepts power from a variety of sources, and provides overall power-distribution based on pre-established protocols. Small-systems will be deployed into remote communications and surveillance sites managed by HillAirForce base. Phase I, will supply a power system for a deployed-tactical-shelter comprising lightweight flexible triple junction solar panels and small wind generators interconnected to advanced lightweight NIMH batteries to carry out a specific mission requirement at 1-2 sites. Requirements/constraints required to interconnect any mobile/fixed power-source into a constantly changing network as with advancing military camps will be provided. Phase II, we add hydrogen-generation (electrolyzer) hydrogen-storage (low pressure metal hydride tanks) and fuel-cells into the mix of energy technologies being demonstrated to run a total 3 -5 deployed systems in the pacific rim. Software/hardware protocols necessary to control a limited but sophisticated network of power-sources and uses are provided. The protocols and requirements to be able expand the software to control any complexity of energy mini-grid network in subsequent work will be provided.