DHS Systems LLC, known for its Deployable Rapid Assembly Shelters (DRASH), has become an industry leader in developing energy efficient power management systems for the military. DHS’s intelligent power technology (IPT) 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 IPT 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. IPT was entered into NIE as a system under evaluation (SUE) to determine its ability to improve operational energy on the battlefield.
The purpose of the DHS participation was to assess potential benefits of generators equipped with digital control panels and the associated IPT compared to generators with traditional analog controls. During NIE, the IPT system was used to power the Brigade Support Battalion TOC and three Company Command Posts (CP).
The TRADOC Summary Report concluded that the IPT generators consumed fuel at over a 60% savings compared to the analogue 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 IPT system, a micro-grid of six generators of varying outputs totaling 222 kW, consumed an average of 109 gallons of fuel per day; that consumption rate is only 36.33% of the rate of traditional analog generators. Overall, the IPT system conserved 191 gallons of fuel per day, resulting in a total fuel saving of 63.67%.
Not only did IPT 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 10 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 IPT saying: "NIE 13.1 was major for IPT. 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 IPT 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 IPT was its remote capability and user-friendly interface," said Tim Taets.