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September 14,
2004
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Soldiers' Future Energy Needs
National Research Council report says Army needs new power sources |
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LOIS R. EMBER
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U.S. ARMY PHOTO |
Soldiers of the future will be walking warehouses for sophisticated electronics that significantly enhance their awareness of the combat environment. In addition to weaponry, soldiers will don helmets with visual displays, chemical and biological sensors, radios, and portable computers.
Existing military batteries are not suitable power sources for these devices, however. According to a National Research Council report, “Meeting the Energy Needs of the Future Warriors,” the U.S. Army needs to investigate alternative power sources—fuel cells, small engines, and fuel cell-battery hybrid energy systems—that will be longer lasting, lighter, cheaper, and more efficient than current batteries.
Hybrid systems offer the most versatility in meeting future energy needs because they can provide power over varying levels of energy use, the report concludes. One possible exception would be a power source for the “exoskeleton”—a pair of mechanical metal leg braces and a backpacklike frame now under development that will allow a soldier to carry large or heavy packs with no loss of agility. For the exoskeleton, the report recommends lightweight engine generators.
Development of these new energy sources will be conducted under the Army’s Future Force Warrior program. |
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Chemical & Engineering News
ISSN 0009-2347
Copyright © 2004 |
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