NIE 13.1 explores smart energy use: New innovations improve self-sustainability

Pfc. Detnarong Chaiyasit, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, refuels the generators Oct. 30, during test week of the Network Integration Evaluation 13.1. Photo by Sgt. Ida Irby, 24th Press Camp Headquarters.

Sgt. Ida Irby,
24th Press Camp Headquarters:

MCGREGOR RANGE, N.M. – Operational energy strategies were evaluated Oct. 29 during test week of the Network Integration Evaluation 13.1 to assess energy-consumption tools that increase tactical capability of equipment and personnel.

NIE 13.1 tests systems in austere tactical environments to gain knowledge of Soldier usage of energy efficient equipment that increases self-sustaining ability of the warfighter.

Power generation will always be a struggle in the Army; because loads, amperages and redundant power sources keep us working to find better solutions for energy. All the new equipment used in NIE 13.1 is checked for compatibility with our current systems or redeveloped for value-added usage, stated Sgt. 1st Class William Lawrence, a system manager, Brigade Modernization Command. After evaluation, systems are labeled as having high, medium or low potential for equipping.

Pfc. Detnarong Chaiyasit, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, refuels the generators Oct. 30, during test week of the Network Integration Evaluation 13.1. Photo by Sgt. Ida Irby, 24th Press Camp Headquarters.

Lawrence oversaw four 60k fuel-powered generators equipped with the latest Load Demand Start Stop Micro-Grid systems, used to eliminate over usage of generators by terminating power when there is no request for energy. This will ensure units are not wasting fuel and more personnel can be used to support the mission.

“The LDSS sends an accurate signal to the [generator’s] system to terminate usage which in turn reduces the fuel consumption and reduces wear and tear on the equipment,” said Lawrence. “LDSS systems may reduce maintenance on generators and lower operational costs compared to existing equipment.”

The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, is working to make field operations more self-sufficient and working to find better solutions for energy consumption.

Sgt. Justin L. Farmer, a training noncommissioned officer in 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, uses a 60-kilowatt quiet tactical generator to power laptops, lights, and communication tools while in a tactical environment. Customarily, power is drawn from generators that run 24 hours a day. According to Farmer, the GenSet Eliminator being tested may decrease generators usage by half – charging the generator for only 12 hours and operating for extended 12 hours without fuel.

“The GenSet Eliminator uses lithium-ion batteries or solar powered energy to store up to 50-kilowatt of energy. After it’s fully charged, it stores energy and we can turn off the generator and run it with stored energy,” said Farmer. “This latest system saves fuel and makes energy usage more tactical by minimizing generator operating time.”

Spc. Corey Creps, a power generation equipment repair specialist in the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, conducts technical maintenance on a generator Oct. 30, during test week of the Network Integration Evaluation 13.1. Creps is one of more than 3,000 Soldiers participating in the five-week field exercise from Oct. 15 through Nov. 15. Photo by Sgt. Ida Irby, 24th Press Camp Headquarters.

Solar powered generators could eliminate or minimize manpower, equipment, or fuel costs up to 40 percent, stated Farmer.

“By running a generator half the time, it is definitely good for the environment,” said Farmer. “We minimize the use of fuel, maintenance cost and exhaust emissions.”

For some areas in the Army, less is more. Using fewer resources in a tactical environment allows for more sustainability and minimizes visibility in a field setting.

“We need to use less – to do more. Operational energy works to reduce the footprint of a brigade, battalion or company element,” said Maj. Duncan S. Robinson, U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command at Fort Lee, Va., looking at the footprint for 2nd BCT, 1 AD, where more than 50 generators are used to maintain operations during NIE 13.1.

“The Army is working to improving operational costs by using less generators to generate more energy,” said Robinson. “If we use fewer generators, we will use less fuel, and require less manpower to maintain generators.”

Short URL: http://fbmonitor.com/?p=16949