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DOD Demonstrates Mobile Microgrid Technology
by David Vergun, DOD News
July 10, 2021
The Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and
Engineering and the Department of the Army recently demonstrated a
mobile, fast-forming, secure and intelligent vehicle-centric
microgrid prototype that will power next-generation warfighting
capabilities and joint warfighting concepts.
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October 22, 2020 (Undisclosed Location) - Task Force
Spartan Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 14th Field
Artillery Regiment, 75th Field Artillery Brigade, showcased
their ability to rapidly deploy High Mobility Artillery
Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers anywhere in the U.S.
Central Command area of responsibility within hours during
Air and Missile Defense Exercise 21-1. The rocket system can host a vehicle-centric microgrid. (U.S. Army photo by
Master Sgt. Thomas Wheeler)
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Integrating power generation directly onto tactical vehicle
platforms, VCMs are designed to provide on-the-move power for
next-generation warfighting capabilities, such as directed energy
and missile defense systems. VCMs also support a rapidly forming and
resilient microgrid capability that will power future command,
control, communications, computers and intelligence systems.
Frank Bohn and Dean McGrew, the project leads for the Army Futures
Command, Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Control,
Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence Surveillance, and
Reconnaissance Center and the Ground Vehicle Systems Center,
highlighted some features of the VCM. "Generating 100 kilowatts per
vehicle and capable of supporting both static and on-the-move
operations, VCMs enhance our lethality and survivability in
contested environments," McGrew said.
Conforming to the
Tactical Microgrid Standard, VCMs can distribute power between
vehicles and connect to other TMS-compliant power generation,
storage and distribution systems under development by the DOD. "It's
not only a microgrid, it's also a smart grid," Bohn said. "A
centralized controller can increase or decrease the number of
powered vehicles automatically for optimal efficiency/resilience
across the microgrid."
VCMs align with the Joint Staff Joint
Warfighting Concept's emphasis on contested logistics to streamline
the DOD's ability to deploy and sustain the joint force. This
capability provides a pathway to improved logistics and faster
setup, transport and redeployment of power generation systems, he
said.
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June 16, 2020 - An U.S. Army engineer at Aberdeen Proving
Ground, Maryland works on a hybrid power system as part of
the Army’s ongoing research in tactical microgrids,
which provide resilient and efficient power for soldiers in
the field. (U.S. Department of Defense photo by Daniel
Lafontaine)
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"The demonstrated prototype reduces [the] DOD's overall energy
footprint, minimizing contributions to climate change by coupling a
more efficient power generation approach for expeditionary forces
with reduced logistical requirements to deploy and sustain it," Bohn
said. To inform capability needs for multi-domain operations, Army
Product Manager Command Post Integrated Infrastructure is equipping
an operational battalion with components of the VCM prototype for
experimentation in operationally relevant conditions this summer.
McGrew noted that there are exciting possibilities for VCMs
beyond battlefield applications, such as humanitarian assistance and
disaster relief operations. For example, the National Guard is
interested in using the technology for responding to natural or
man-made disasters. Two VCM-equipped vehicles could deliver 200
kilowatts to power a neighborhood of up to 75 homes, McGrew said.
In the future, McGrew thinks that 10 to 20% of tactical vehicles
will have VCM capability.
By teaming with the OUSD (R&E)
Rapid Reaction Technology Office, Devcom and the Missile Defense
Agency's Project Manager Terminal High Altitude Area Defense were
able to jumpstart VCM prototype development. Development of the VCM
would not have been possible without the capacity for innovation
provided by RRTO, Bohn noted.
"Within 120 days of the Army team's initial engagement, RRTO had
approved the project, and funds were moving. RRTO's ability to
provide in-year investment significantly accelerated the delivery of
this capability in a manner that is incredibly difficult to achieve
through traditional acquisition pipelines," Bohn said.
Jon
Lazar, director of the RRTO in the Directorate of Defense Research
and Engineering for Advanced Capabilities, said: "Our organizational
culture is based on using innovative prototyping processes that
quickly develop and transition new capabilities. But it's still
really exciting to see a novel idea like this grow so quickly from a
slideshow to a capability on its way to the warfighter."
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