The US military are the single largest consumer of petroleum in the world. As a result, the Defense department has been taking aggressive measures to improve energy efficiency.
In June, the Pentagon unveiled its first ‘operational energy strategy’, a plan that will fundamentally transform the way fuel is used in theatre. The strategy will increase energy efficiency of operations; limit the risk troops face as they use, transport and store energy; and minimise the amount of defense resources on energy consumption.
These changes are being implemented in various stages across every application of energy consumption, including installations, ships, aircraft, combat vehicles and support equipment.
The work even reaches down to the level of the individual deployed soldier, where power generation in the tactical environment is challenging. Forward operating bases, command posts of all sizes, isolated life support areas, communications nodes and other facilities all need reliable power. All too often, commercial grids are not available / reliable enough to sustain operations, they remain vulnerable to an attack by the enemy, are taken out during the initial phrase of an attack or are comprised by some other means.
To help the military address their energy needs, DHS Systems has brought to market a ground breaking solution that can shrink the amount of fossil fuels consumed to create electricity by networking generators as a system to optimise efficiency with the added benefit of being trailer mounted to increase its portability.
DRASH Intelligent Power Technology (IPT) are trailers that combine the proven reliability of DRASH Utility Support Transport (UST) trailers with a highly specialised digital ‘smart’ system to create networked power grid in the field.
DRASH Intelligent Power Technology enables the supply of power to more evenly match the demand, so generators are being turned ‘off’ and ‘on’ as power requirements change. This significantly reduces run-times and prevents maintenance issues, such as we-stacking, a common problem which occurs when unburned fuel begins to clog the exhaust system due to running an engine on partial loads.
DRASH IPT can be remotely monitored from inside your TOC using DRASH Deployable Command and Control Equipment (DC2E) as well. This helps soldiers schedule preventive maintenance cycles that can prevent we-stacking. Also, reduced run times means less noise, another benefit of the new technology.
Mark Wlazlak, Business Development Manager for DHS Systems, said: "People are beginning to see the substantial long-term benefits of using DRASH IPT. Although relatively new, several DRASH IPT Trailers are supporting programs such as Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD), Harbormaster Command and Control Center (HCCC), Patriot, Battery Command Post (BCP), PM AUS Mobile Tower Systems, (MOTS), and Long Endurance Multi Intelligence Vehicle (LEMV)."