Electrical power supply
continues to be a major challenge to military planners, particularly
when extended dismounted operations are required. New innovations
introduced by several companies could offer have promissing
capabilities in the future but at present, primary and rechargable
batteries continue to provide the only power source to fill
the militar's thirst for power. (more...)
General Atomics and Jadoo Power have teamed
to develop power systems, replacing the heavy batteries carried
by individual soldiers. The new power system is based on a fuel
cell and fuel interface technology system developed by Jadoo
Power, based on General Atomics' patented ammonia borane fuel
technology. In this process, the hydrogen fuel is stored in
solid chemical hydride (ammonia borane). This material is decompressed
to release the fuel. This material contains hydrogen twice the
hydrogen volume, compared with cryogenic stored liquid hydrogen
or nearly four times as compressed gaseous hydrogen (10,000
psi).
The fuel cell is designed to be form-and-fit compatible with
the BA 5590 battery pack.
The
fuel is stored in a cartridge attached to the fuel cell for
liquid-free processing, allowing for a rugged, reliable and
portable power package. Each cartridge provides specific energy
for over 750 Whr/kg. At a total weight of 10 pounds (4.5 kg)
including the fuel cell and seven cartridges, the system will
support a 72 mission (supplying 50 watts), replacing 21 BA 5590
batteries weighting 47 pounds (21.5 kg). Similar to a battery,
this fuel cell can be instantly switched on and off, without
residual 'memory' or self discharge effects limiting the use
of similar portable power systems. In addition to the application
as portable power for the dismounted soldier, these fuel cells
have promising applications for unmanned systems. For example,
a five lbs system could power an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)
or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) consuming 100 watts for 10
hours.
Ultralife introduced the UBBL10, a new product
in its "SmartCircuit" (SMBus compliant) family of
batteries. This model is compatible with the popular BB-2590
format offering full compliance with the open source SMBus communications
protocol. Ultralife's SmartCircuit batteries/charger/appliance
communications improves battery efficiency over its life cycle.
Ultralife offers the 2590 type package in a higher capacity
version, delivering 18.4Ah in 12V mode. The battery designated
UBBL09 is suitable for applications that previously used nickel-metal
hydride type cells.
Vehicle
lights are a known power consumer in all types of vehicles.
Combat vehicles, placed on silent guard for many hours are subject
to severe light saving restrictions, especially white light.
In addition to the power consumption penalty, white light are
also damaging night visibility and may disorientate observers.
It is also susceptible of being spotted by image intensifiers.
Blue or red lights are more 'friendly' in such environment.
Eltam, an Israeli company specialized in lighting technologies
developed a LED lighting system specifically adapted for combat
vehicles. Eltam
lights are currently being used in Israeli Merkava tanks, and
were also installed in a number of US combat vehicles. At AUSA
Eltam lights could be seen on a wide range of vehicles, including
the Paladin, Bradley technology demonstrator and Paladin. Produced
in in red/white or blue/white combinations, Eltam's dimmable
lights contribute to significant saving in power. A by-product
is the ability to indicate low battery state, alarming the crew
of an imminent battery drain, enabling the crew to start the
engine for timely recharge.
The
fuel is stored in a cartridge attached to the fuel cell for
liquid-free processing, allowing for a rugged, reliable and
portable power package. Each cartridge provides specific energy
for over 750 Whr/kg. At a total weight of 10 pounds (4.5 kg)
including the fuel cell and seven cartridges, the system will
support a 72 mission (supplying 50 watts), replacing 21 BA 5590
batteries weighting 47 pounds (21.5 kg). Similar to a battery,
this fuel cell can be instantly switched on and off, without
residual 'memory' or self discharge effects limiting the use
of similar portable power systems. In addition to the application
as portable power for the dismounted soldier, these fuel cells
have promising applications for unmanned systems. For example,
a five lbs system could power an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)
or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) consuming 100 watts for 10
hours.
Vehicle
lights are a known power consumer in all types of vehicles.
Combat vehicles, placed on silent guard for many hours are subject
to severe light saving restrictions, especially white light.
In addition to the power consumption penalty, white light are
also damaging night visibility and may disorientate observers.
It is also susceptible of being spotted by image intensifiers.
Blue or red lights are more 'friendly' in such environment.
Eltam, an Israeli company specialized in lighting technologies
developed a LED lighting system specifically adapted for combat
vehicles. 
Eltam
lights are currently being used in Israeli Merkava tanks, and
were also installed in a number of US combat vehicles. At AUSA
Eltam lights could be seen on a wide range of vehicles, including
the Paladin, Bradley technology demonstrator and Paladin. Produced
in in red/white or blue/white combinations, Eltam's dimmable
lights contribute to significant saving in power. A by-product
is the ability to indicate low battery state, alarming the crew
of an imminent battery drain, enabling the crew to start the
engine for timely recharge. 
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