DC Power Controller (DCPC) for Tactical Microgrid

Epirus is proposing to build a solid-state DC Power Controller that interfaces non-TMS compliant legacy DC equipment such as PV and batteries to a TMS enabled microgrid for the Army. The DC Power Controller is compatible with the TMS, while also acting as an autonomous connect/disconnect for legacy DC equipment, thus enabling the addition of renewable generation and energy storage to tactical microgrids. In the near term, addition of renewables and energy storage to the Tactical Microgrid brings vast improvements in (diesel) fuel consumption and eliminates wet-stacking of diesel generators in microgrids; two major benefits and goals for the Army.Epirus’ proposed DC power controller is optimized to clear faults at micro-second rates required to protect solid-state equipment; orders of magnitude faster than legacy circuit breakers, relays and contactors that operate in milli-second range. The DC power controller is capable of such rapid fault clearing times even under inductive load conditions, making it forward compatible with Tactical Microgrids running on DC backbones. A DC microgrid gains much greater fuel efficiency and integration with renewables and energy storage relative to AC distribution systems; a benefit that is enhanced significantly when supporting Electric Combat Vehicles and Directed Energy Weapons in the future.In addition to TMS applications, commercial DC microgrids will pave the way towards zero emission targets in sectors such as datacenters, factories, EV charging, universities, and municipalities. Epirus’ proposed DC power controller will be an enabler for wide-spread adoption of DC microgrids.For Defense applications, Epirus’ proposed DC power controller enables near-term TMS-compliance of legacy DC equipment on Tactical Microgrids, while being the key to unlocking the DC Tactical Microgrid of the future. The DC power controller could enable broad market adoption of DC microgrids in commercial sectors.