The Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (MoD Think Tank) and Indian Military Review are organising Military Power Systems 2023 seminar & exhibition on 8 Dec 2023 at New Delhi.

Military equipment often requires power systems that can withstand harsh environments and extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, shock and vibration, and electromagnetic interference. Additionally, these power systems must be able to operate in remote locations and be able to function under a wide range of temperatures.

The requirements of military equipment can vary widely depending on the type of equipment. It may be required to operate for extended periods of time without maintenance, which means that the power systems must be highly reliable and have long service lives. They must be lightweight and compact, so as to minimize the overall weight of the equipment.

Military grade power management systems such as battery management systems must be able to monitor and control the power source and provide a reliable power source heat management systems, must be able to dissipate heat effectively and prevent damage to the power source.

Recent Developments

There have been several recent developments in providing lightweight military equipment with a reliable and long-lasting power source that is lightweight and compact, thus increasing the mobility and autonomy of the equipment. Some of the most notable include:

Lithium-ion Batteries: These have a high energy density, which allows for long-lasting power in a lightweight package. They also have a long service life and can be rapidly charged.

Fuel Cells: Highly efficient, lightweight, long-lasting power source, which can operate in remote locations.

Solar Power: Solar panels are a lightweight, long-lasting power source that can be used to generate electricity in remote locations. They can be integrated into military equipment.

Microgrids: Microgrids are small-scale power systems that can be used in remote locations to provide power to a single piece or to a group of equipment.

Hybrid Power Systems: These systems combine multiple power sources, such as batteries, fuel cells, and generators, to provide a reliable and long-lasting power source.

Power Systems for Drones

Small and large drones have different power system requirements, but some general requirements are common to both. Drones have limited space for power systems, so the energy density of the power source must be high to provide a long-lasting power source in a small package. Lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells are commonly used for this reason.

Power system must be highly reliable for drones to be able to fly for extended periods without maintenance.

Drones are susceptible to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) issues.

For large drones, the long-lasting power source must be able to provide a high level of power output.

Harsh environments mean the power system must be able to withstand extreme temperatures, humidity and other environmental factors.

Power Systems for Fighter Aircraft

Fighter aircraft need to power the various systems on the aircraft, other than engines, ie, avionics and weapons systems. Weight is critical, hence, power system must be lightweight as well with high power-to-weight ratio.

For flying for extended periods of time without maintenance, the power system must be highly reliable and safe to use in punishing environments.

Power Systems for Submarines

Submarines have limited space for power systems. They need to be able to operate for extended periods of time without maintenance, in a high-pressure underwater environment, quietly to avoid detection.

Auxiliary power systems for submarines have several special requirements, including Compactness, high reliability, Safety, generate minimal noise and vibration, minimum downtime, and withstand the high pressure and low temperature of the underwater environment.

Power Systems for Soldiers

Soldiers need to carry their own equipment in the field in remote locations and operate in different harsh environment. Power systems for soldiers must be lightweight to minimize the load on the soldier, must have a high energy density to provide long-lasting power source in a small package and be reliable and safe in a variety of environments.

The power source must be durable to withstand rough handling and rugged conditions, and low in maintenance and, at the same time, must be flexible and adaptable to different power needs depending on the mission.

Power Systems for Tanks

Besides the power pack, tanks require auxiliary power to operate the various systems on the tank, such as weapons systems, and communications equipment. They need to be able to operate for extended periods of time without maintenance.

Power Systems for Military Communications

Military communications have several special requirements, primarily EMI/EMC compatibility, portability and ruggedness.

Missiles and Strategic Systems

Missiles and strategic systems need to be able to operate for extended periods of time without maintenance. They are susceptible to EMI and EMC issues, and have limited space for power systems. Redundancy and safety factors are important in the case of missiles.

Alternate Sources of Power

There are increasing calls for military vehicles and equipment to reduce carbon emissions. Alternate sources of power are being explored.

Electric power can be generated from a variety of sources, such as solar, wind, and hydro, which are all renewable and produce no emissions. Electric power can be stored in batteries and used to power military vehicles and equipment.

Hybrid power systems, combining internal combustion engines with electric motors and batteries can improve the fuel efficiency of military vehicles and equipment.

Fuel cells, which convert chemical energy into electricity and can be powered by hydrogen, a clean-burning fuel that produces only water vapor when burned, can be used to power military vehicles and equipment.

Biofuels, such as biodiesel and bioalcohol, are being tried in transport aircraft.

Propane, natural gas, solar energy, are other alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, with lower carbon content, which can be used to power military vehicles and equipment.

Critical Components and Materials

Military grade power sources and power systems require specialized components and materials that can withstand harsh conditions and demanding environments.

Military grade fuel cells typically use platinum and ceramics. Solar panels are typically made with materials such as silicon and glass.

Military grade power electronics, such as inverters and converters, use materials such as silicon and ceramic. Military grade cabling and connectors use materials such as copper and fibre optics.

Common Factors

Military equipment is required to be used for extended periods of time without maintenance, in a variety of environments, rough terrain and harsh conditions, including hot and cold temperatures. They cannot be allowed to fail.

Military systems have limited space for power systems. They are susceptible to EMI and EMC issues.

The power sources need to provide long-lasting power, be portable and utilize minimum fuel and increase the system’s endurance. The power source must be compact to fit in the limited space.

The power system must have built-in redundancy, be able to withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, and other environmental factors.

The power system must be highly reliable and safe to use, EMI/EMC compatible, provide for redundancy, climate resistance (extreme temperatures, humidity), and be compact to fit in the limited space.

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Types of Military Power Systems

Military Grade Power Generators

Tactical Hybrid Generators

“Plug-n-play” Energy Hubs

Portable Power Hubs

Batteries and Stored Power

Advanced energy storage systems

Core Power Batteries

Battery Only Storage Systems

Expansion Battery Modules (for UPS)

Uninterrupted Power Supplies

UPS – Military Field-Grade

Military Power Inverters (MINV)

Programmable Power Supply (MPPS)

Military Power Conditioners (MPC)

Mil Converters and Filters

Military Grade Power Supply (MPS)

Military VPX Power Supplies

Military 3-Phase AC Changer (MAC)

Military Configurable Power Supplies (MTQ)

Smart Power Management Systems

Intelligent Power Management System

Energy Control System

Custom Military Power

Fully-Integrated Systems

Expeditionary Power

Emergency Power Kits

Powerpacks

Power Packs for land & marine systems

Auxillary power packs

Small engines for aircraft and drones

Custom Aerospace Power Supply

Custom Shipboard Power Supply

Custom Power for Ground Equipment

Rugged Power for Comms Equipment

Alternative Fuels

Renewable Energy Sources

Biofuel, Biogas

The post EVENT PREVIEW – Power Systems For Military Applications appeared first on IMR.

Military equipment often requires power systems that can withstand harsh environments and extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, shock and vibration, and electromagnetic interference – often operate at remote locations and be able to function under a wide range of temperatures.

Military equipment may be required to operate for extended periods of time without maintenance, which means that the power systems must be highly reliable and have long service lives. They must be lightweight and compact, so as to minimize the overall weight of the equipment.

Recent Developments

There have been several recent developments in lightweight, in providing military equipment with a reliable and long-lasting power source that is lightweight and compact, thus increasing the mobility and autonomy of the equipment. Some of the most notable include:

Lithium-ion Batteries: These have a high energy density, which allows for long-lasting power in a lightweight package. They also have a long service life and can be rapidly charged.

Fuel Cells: Highly efficient, lightweight, long-lasting power source, which can operate in remote locations.

Solar Power: Solar panels are a lightweight, long-lasting power source that can be used to generate electricity in remote locations. They can be integrated into military equipment.

Microgrids: Microgrids are small-scale power systems that can be used in remote locations to provide power to a single piece or to a group of equipment.

Hybrid Power Systems: These systems combine multiple power sources, such as batteries, fuel cells, and generators, to provide a reliable and long-lasting power source.

Power Systems for Drones

Small and large drones have different power system requirements, but some general requirements are common to both. Drones have limited space for power systems, so the energy density of the power source must be high to provide a long-lasting power source in a small package. Lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells are commonly used for this reason.

Drones are susceptible to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) issues.

Power Systems for Fighter Aircraft

Fighter aircraft need to power the various systems on the aircraft, other than engines, ie, avionics and weapons systems. Weight is critical, hence, power system must be lightweight as well with high power-to-weight ratio.

For flying for extended periods of time without maintenance, the power system must be highly reliable and safe to use in punishing environments.

Power Systems for Submarines

Submarines have limited space for power systems. They need to be able to operate for extended periods of time without maintenance, in a high-pressure underwater environment, quietly to avoid detection.

Auxiliary power systems for submarines have several special requirements, including Compactness, high reliability, Safety, generate minimal noise and vibration, minimum downtime, and withstand the high pressure and low temperature of the underwater environment.

Power Systems for Soldiers

Soldiers need to carry their own equipment in the field in remote locations and operate in different harsh environment. Power

systems for soldiers must be lightweight to minimize the load on the soldier, must have a high energy density to provide long-lasting power source in a small package and be reliable and safe in a variety of environments.

Power Systems for Tanks

Besides the power pack, tanks require auxiliary power to operate the various systems on the tank, such as weapons systems, and communications equipment. They need to be able to operate for extended periods of time without maintenance.

Power Systems for Military Communications

Military communications have several special requirements, primarily EMI/EMC compatibility, portability and ruggedness.

Missiles and Strategic Systems

Missiles and strategic systems need to be able to operate for extended periods of time without maintenance. They are susceptible to EMI and EMC issues, and have limited space for power systems. Redundancy and safety factors are important in the case of missiles.

Alternate Sources of Power

There are increasing calls for military vehicles and equipment to reduce carbon emissions. Alternate sources of power are being explored.

Electric power can be generated from a variety of sources, such as solar, wind, and hydro, which are all renewable and produce no emissions. Electric power can be stored in batteries and used to power military vehicles and equipment.

Hybrid power systems, combining internal combustion engines with electric motors and batteries can improve the fuel efficiency of military vehicles and equipment.

Fuel cells, which convert chemical energy into electricity and can be powered by hydrogen, a clean-burning fuel that produces only water vapour when burned, can be used to power military vehicles and equipment.

Biofuels, such as biodiesel and bioalcohol, are being tried in transport aircraft. Propane, natural gas, solar energy, are other alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, with lower carbon content, which can be used to power military vehicles and equipment.

Critical Components and Materials

Military grade power sources and power systems require specialized components and materials that can withstand harsh conditions and demanding environments.

Military grade batteries and fuel cells must be able to withstand high temperatures, shock and vibration, and extreme conditions. Lithium-ion batteries and nickel-cadmium batteries are commonly used in military applications due to their high energy density and long service life. Military grade fuel cells typically use platinum and ceramics. Solar panels are typically made with materials such as silicon and glass.

Military grade power electronics, such as inverters and converters, use materials such as silicon and ceramic. Military grade cabling and connectors use materials such as copper and fibre optics.

Seminar Sessions

The seminar will have sessions on the following themes with opportunities for industry to make presentations:

• Industry Capabilities

• Power Packs and Storage Systems for Land Systems & Comms

• Power Supplies for Aerial and Maritime Systems

• Alternative Fuels & Renewable Energy for Military Applications

The post EVENT PREVIEW—Power Systems for Military Applications appeared first on IMR.

The Indian Armed Forces have a sterling record on ecological conservation – stabilisation of sand dunes, afforestation of the Thar Desert, managing watersheds in Himachal and Uttarakhand or reclaiming the barren Mussoorie hills, mines, in Delhi – all of these projects have been carried out by with military-like work culture and commitment. The Army, in particular, has contributed to the conservation of nearly extinct species in wildlife – the Great Indian Bustard, The Ring -necked Crane and the snow leopard. The forces have been in the forefront in the fight to save the planet.

The Ecological Task Force battalions of the Territorial Army (TA) have been raised to execute specific ecology-related projects by enrolling ex-servicemen and have created history with their success stories.

The Indian Air Force has made a beginning with experimenting with use of biofuels for their transport aircraft. The Indian Navy has undertaken numerous projects for the cleaning of the beaches, protection of mangrove swamps, marine life and corals.

It is time for the Armed Forces to now make a mark by taking steps to contribute to the environment by reducing their carbon foot-print where they can, without compromising on their operational efficiency.

There are many areas, particularly in peace stations and bases where substantial measures can be taken to reducing carbon emmissions, using cleaner energy, energy savings through better building designs, efficient transportation, heating & lighting methods, recycling waste and such other measures.

Aim of the Strategy

The aim of Energy Strategy for the Armed Forces is to enable information exchange on best practices and technologies for advancing energy efficiency in the military. The thrust is to find ways and means to make the military less dependent on fossil fuel and to increase the effectiveness and improve the security of future military missions, while reducing the military’s carbon footprint.

The event will bring together numerous experts from military, industry and academia and create the platform to present the expertise, discuss lessons learned. The virtual exhibition will offer an opportunity for companies to present their innovative energy efficiency technologies.

Scale of the Problem

The climate costs of mobilizing military assets and personnel—including movement of manpower, millions of tons of hardware and equipment, food supplies and related services – is huge.

Vast swathes of military are big carbon emitters – tanks, trucks jet planes, much of the navy except nuclear-powered submarines. The military’s carbon “boot” print comes from production of military equipment, energy use at military bases (energy use, food, waste management) and vehicle use (aircraft, marine vessels and land vehicles). The impact of war on the environment is entirely different level of concern. This does not include emissions of contractors and suppliers.

Training of the Armed Forces is large in scale involving movement over long distances, using live ammunition and explosives, transport and combat vehicles. There is increasing scope for employing Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality-based simulators to reduce the impact through realistic simulated training, while not completely replacing live exercises and training. It is now possible to create realistic scenarios indoors – by day and night – for all arms and services to train and to exercise procedures without producing pollutants.

The Iraq war was responsible for 141 million tonnes (MT) of carbon releases in its first four years, according to an Oil Change International report. On an annual basis, this was more than the emissions from 139 countries in this period, or about the same as putting an extra 25m cars on the roads for a year. Spending on the Iraq war could cover all global investments in renewable energy needed to halt global warming trends in the period to 2030.

A long-range bomber produces 251 tonnes CO2e per mission. A fighter bomber 28 tonnes CO2e per mission. The average freight truck emits 161.8 grams of CO2 per ton-mile.

Armed Forces and Climate Change

Today, each country is required to render reports to the UN on their emissions, but these exclude any fuels purchased and used by the military. As a result it is still difficult to calculate the exact responsibility of the world’s military forces for greenhouse gas emissions.

Armed forces of countries around the world will no longer be automatically exempted from emissions-cutting obligations under the UN Paris climate deal, when enforced. Decisions will be left to nation states as to which national sectors should make emissions cuts before 2030. Exemptions can only be sought through legislative exemption.

While the atmosphere counts the carbon from the military, it is politically inconvenient to reduce military emissions.

In many countries, activities including intelligence work, law enforcement, emergency response, tactical fleets and areas classified as national security interests are also exempted from reporting obligations.

The Need to Discuss Solutions

The beginning point could be an audit of the carbon footprint of the Armed Forces so that scale and dimensions of the problem can be understood, a long term plan can be worked out and progress can subsequently be measured.

Some countries have launched strategies and adopted measures to reduce the carbon footprint of their military. Many have set targets to be achieved in the next 10 and 20 and 30 years.

Solutions must be discussed so that they can be incorporated in the planning of habitat, construction of buildings, operational functioning and training, General Staff Qualitative Requirements of some of the equipment, and allocations of financial support to implement the schemes.

While it is recognised that energy security should not impede the forces from performing their primary mission, the importance of energy efficiency for the conduct of military operations has come to the fore over the past decade. The weight of batteries to power the wide range of electronic equipment used by the military adds a substantial burden to soldiers. Moreover, fuel convoys are vulnerable to attack.

We must examine whether new technologies allow us to change the way we plan our missions, procure equipment, and conduct campaigns. The possibilities are endless – Solar power, hybrid power and microgrids for bases, better insulation for soldiers’ habitat in extreme cold areas, fuel cells to power the equipment of individual soldiers, biofuels for military vehicles and so on.

Atmospheric water generator, intelligent power storage and management system, tents lined with insulation material, photovoltaic solar panels, light-emitting diode (LED) lamps, hydrogen fuel cell that produces electricity could replace diesel generators.

Role of Industry

Enhancing energy efficiency in the military focuses on reducing the energy consumption of military vehicles and camps, as well as minimising their environmental footprint. Energy-saving logistics solutions must come from private companies that can contribute equipment and expertise for ‘smart energy’ production, storage, distribution and consumption. Public sector experts from ministry of defence and universities have a role to play.

The post Event Preview: Energy Strategy for the Armed Forces 2022 appeared first on IMR.