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battlefield energy
July 2007
Army Eyes Next Generation Power Sources
By Breanne Wagner
 SAN DIEGO — The Army is investigating potential applications of high energy batteries and Stirling engines, among other technologies, said Mike Brundage, chief of power applications at the Army Research, Development and Engineering Command.
The Army is interested in lithium ion carbon monofluoride (Li/CFx) batteries to replace the BA-5590 standard military battery, he said at a conference hosted here by the National Defense Industrial Association.
The objective is to find Li/CFx batteries that have twice the run time at the same weight and volume, Brundage told attendees. More importantly, he said, the Li/CFx batteries should be half the size of their 5590 counterparts.
Currently, high-energy batteries provide twice the run time at the same weight as standard batteries. The BA-5590, which is made up of sulfur dioxide (Li/SO2), weighs 2.16 pounds and emits 200 watt hours of energy. The Li/CFx batteries weigh 2.2 pounds and emit 400 watt hours of energy.
Brundage is also looking at hybrid batteries. The Gen 4 zinc-air/Li145 hybrid battery and the UltraCell fuel cell Li-145 hybrid system provide significant weight and volume savings, while giving more energy. These systems will be useful for extended operations and will reduce logistics costs, Brundage said.
The Army is working with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to develop 25 watt reformed methanol fuel cells. The fuel cartridge weighs just three-quarters of a pound and can run for nine hours.
Brundage’s team is also working with DARPA on a portable Stirling engine. Although Stirling engine technology was developed in the early 19th century, researchers are looking at a smaller, more advanced version for military use. Stirling engines omit less exhaust than traditional engines. And unlike some other technologies, they can use any kind of fuel. The portable Stirling engine has an air-cooled design, and was tested with propane in 2006. Next year, the Army wants to test an engine powered by tactical JP-8 fuel.
Please email your comments to BWagner@ndia.org
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