DHS Systems, known for its Deployable Rapid Assembly Shelters (DRASH), has become an industry leader in developing energy-efficient power management systems for the military.
DHS’ Intelligent Power Technology®, a networked power micro-grid system that optimises generators to fluctuating power demands, has proven its energy-saving capabilities at the Networked Integrated Evaluation (NIE) 13.1. According to the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) summary report, a document included in the assessment report detailing the system’s performance throughout the evaluation process, the Intelligent Power Technology system reduced fuel consumption by over 60%.
The NIE 13.1 began in October and lasted through November during which a range of military equipment was tested in the field and in lab studies for efficiency, interoperability, and durability. Intelligent Power Technology was entered into NIE as a System Under Evaluation (SUE) to determine its ability to improve operational energy on the battlefield.
The purpose of DHS’ participation was to assess potential benefits of generators equipped with digital control panels, and to assess how Intelligent Power Technology compared to generators with traditional analog controls. During NIE, the Intelligent Power Technology system was used to power the Brigade Support Battalion TOC and three Company Command Posts (CP).
The TRADOC summary report concluded that the Intelligent Power Technology generators offered over 60% fuel savings compared with analog generators operating under the same conditions. It stated that under the loads experienced during the exercise, traditional generators consume 300 gallons of fuel per day. The Intelligent Power Technology system, a micro-grid of six generators of varying outputs totaling 222kW, consumed an average of 109 gallons of fuel per day – a consumption rate that is only 36.33% of the rate of traditional analog generators. Overall, the Intelligent Power Technology system conserved 191 gallons of fuel per day, resulting in a total fuel saving of 63.67%.
Not only did Intelligent Power Technology conserve fuel but it also decreased the number of generators needed to supply power to the BSB’s operations centers. The number of generator sets needed decreased from ten to six, thus lightening the load by 40%.
DHS director of federal programs, Tim Taets, was present at NIE 13.1 and commented on the performance of Intelligent Power Technology, saying: "NIE 13.1 was major for Intelligent Power Technology. The system performed exceptionally well on many fronts, but we were most pleased with its extraordinary capability for fuel saving. DHS demonstrated that it is an industry leader in military power generation."
In addition to the Intelligent Power Technology system’s fuel saving capability, the system’s remote monitor, efficient size, weight,power characteristics and user-friendly interface were highlighted in the assessment report.
"In speaking with NIE participants, one of the top highlights for Intelligent Power Technology was its remote capability and user-friendly interface," added Taets.