Tactical Power Generation
State of the Art Power Electronics
PCI has developed a family of soldier power gensets targeted to fill the capability gap for lightweight, portable power generation. These generators use COTS gasoline engines that are modified to use tactical fuels (JP-8, Jet A JP-5, DF2, etc.) using PCI’s fuel conditioning technology. These devices have been tested to meet the harsh environmental and operations demands of the US Military and are easy to start, operate and maintain. These generators have been selected for development by the US Army for their Platoon Power Generation (PPG) and Small Tactical Electric Power (STEP) Lightweight programs.
The devices have been developed to act as remote power sources, battery charger power sources, stand-alone generators and vehicle APU’s.With an integrated starter generator these units can be started and stopped with the push of a button, or remotely via operator or machine signals, offering a uniquely qualified power source. The units allow for both onboard and remote fuel tanks, expanding the possibilities for portable and long duration, remote power generation for warfighters, remote sensors, or any other power need.
More broadly, PCI has developed an ultra-compact solution that enables inexpensive lightweight commercial spark-ignited engines to run on multiple fuels (including diesel, biofuels and JP-8) for a wide variety of applications including a single person portable generator for remote power, backup telecommunications, first responders, homeland security and marine power.
PCI’s systems have the advantage of being much lighter in weight than diesel generators of comparable output. They can reduce the need to carry two fuels for recreational vehicle and commercial truck auxiliary power / anti-idle units. This also increases safety by eliminating gasoline and propane from marine power generation applications and replacing it with diesel, a safer, more suitable fuel.
PCI’s system is composed of:
- reliable commercial engines
- state of the art power electronics
- fuel conditioning unit
- robust packaging
- MIL STD electronics
Our next generation solutions allow for power of remote devices using Fuel Cell Technology combined with PCI’s unique fuel conditioning devices. PCI has developed an ultra-compact fuel processor for solid oxide fuel cell systems. Current work with the Diesel and JP-8 fuel reformer has shown that autothermal reforming (ATR) is the best choice of technology to maintain a balance among size, weight, performance, durability, sulfur tolerance and total cost. These systems are being developed as future generation power sources, further advancing PCI’s mission to provide lightweight, quiet, clean and efficient power generation devices to our warfighters.
Contact PCI to learn more about how our solutions may be adapted for your needs.
