Lightweight generators for tactical electric power

Summary form only given. Approximately 80 percent of the Army´s generator inventory in 1988 rated less than 5000 watts ran on gasoline and were considered obsolete. These generator sets are heavy and are not considered manportable. In order to provide the Army with highly mobile sources of electric power in the 300-3000 watt range, integration of modified low-compression internal combustion engines with advanced permanent magnet generators is the key. Also of critical importance is the ability to operate on JP-8 fuel which has been adopted by the Army as the one fuel forward for the battlefield area. Advances in power electronics make manportable generators in the 300-3000 watt range a near term reality. Modifying low compression, spark ignition engines with a direct injection combustion scheme has proved successful in the combustion of JP-8 fuel down to 10 degrees F. Advanced permanent magnet materials offer lightweight and high temperature tolerant generators. High frequency switched power conditioning provide very low weight and high efficiency wild frequency conversion to stable DC power. It is expected that in FY95 an 18 pound, open frame, 1000 watt, 28 V DC generator will be demonstrated. The demonstrator engine will utilize a direct injection combustion scheme for operation with JP-8 fuel and a permanent magnet generator. Also in FY95, a 500 watt enclosed generator set will be demonstrated for the Joint Project Office for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (JPO-UAV). In FY98, a 40 pound signature suppressed, 3000 watt (@ SL), 28 V DC unit will be demonstrated