Power Conditioning Surge Module

Standalone power systems and tactical microgrids are used by the Army to provide power to equipment used in theater. Unlike a full-scale power grid, Army tactical microgrids are powered by 60 kW generators. Because these generators are very small sources compared to those on a full-scale power grid, they are sensitive to power surges, inrush current, and current harmonics generated by non-linear loads. Power surges can cause system brownouts and generator failures. Current harmonics can cause communication errors and damage to equipment from overheating. The current solution to these issues is to oversize generators which decreases power system efficiency as well as generator reliability and lifespan. To provide a more practical and efficient solution, Mainstream proposes to design a power conditioning surge module (PCSM) capable of providing the microgrids with up to 15 kW of 120/208 Vac, 50/60 Hz and 400 Hz power for up to 5 seconds and injecting current to compensate for the harmonics generated by non-linear loads. The design will achieve a technology readiness level (TRL) 4 at the end of the Phase I. With a successful Phase I, Mainstream anticipates rapidly transitioning the proposed technology to a full-scale prototype with TRL 6 in the Phase II.