42-Volt Vehicle System Conversion

The Phase I effort began with a survey of 42-Volt research and development. All vehicle and top-tier component manufacturers recognize the numerous benefits of 42-Volt electrical systems for improved performance, fuel efficiency, packaging, and emissions. However, it was quickly determined that the commercial automotive industry has significantly reduced the pace of 42-Volt adaptation and therefore the near-term feasibility for military adoption of commercial 42-Volt technology is greatly reduced. However, the analysis completed during Phase I uncovered a number of significant challenges electrical system reliability, longevity, and safety. Therefore, ASTI has determined to develop a comprehensive "Intelligent Multiple Battery Sustainment and Readiness System" (IMBSRS) for ground vehicles which will monitor the needs of the battery system and employ multiple technologies to manage and protect critical components. The objectives of the IMBSRS are to prevent dead batteries, maximize the longevity of batteries, detect battery system problems and predict component failures, extend battery system performance, and demonstrate wide-scale applicability to legacy commercial and military vehicles and to the Army's Future Combat Systems. The configurable system will include advanced wireless communications and embedded diagnostics and prognostics capabilities.