Modular Collapsible Hydro-Electric Generator (MCHEG)

The US Marine Corps needs a portable, hydroelectric generator to provide electrical energy to recharge batteries and power equipment. Electrical energy used in the field today is primarily generated using diesel generators. Having the option to use an energy source present in the environment, such as a river or stream, reduces the need to transport and store fuel. In order to meet the Marine Corps’ needs, PSI is developing the Modular, Collapsible Hydro-Electric Generator (MCHEG). During the Phase I SBIR program, PSI successfully fabricated and tested a prototype MCHEG module, experimentally demonstrating a turbine geometry capable of running with 24% efficiency. In this Phase II program, PSI will develop an advanced, collapsible prototype MCHEG turbine array prototype that meets the USMC electrical power generation, weight, stowed volume and deployment time requirements, and is ready for Marine Corps evaluation. The prototype developed during the Phase II will consist of four modules that each produce at least 125 W of electrical energy at 24 VDC in streams flowing as slow as 1 m/s, for a minimum of 500 W power for the full system.