Could a flow battery bring energy storage to military bases?

The U.S. Army recently began testing something called a “flow battery” at Fort Carson, Colorado. If successful, the flow battery, which is powered by two chemical components dissolved in liquids that are pumped through the battery system, could someday help bring long-duration, large-capacity energy storage to many U.S. military bases.

How can the army support the energy demands of emerging technologies?

Supporting the energy demands of these emerging technologies requires a significant modernization and development of the U.S. Army’s microgrids. A microgrid is an independent energy system, which at a minimum consists of electrical generation and distribution assets.

How does the military use diesel fuel?

The entire U.S. military relies primarily on diesel fuel for energy production, distribution, and storage.

Are military generators more efficient?

Military generators have standard sizes, but battery power and energy ratings are more flexible. Figure 6 shows the impact of varying ESS energy capacity on fuel consumption in the improved AC microgrid. Since the batteries do not have 100 percent efficiency, there are losses in each charge and discharge cycle.

Will electric combat vehicles and directed energy weapons disrupt the Army?

In the near term, the power demands of electrical combat vehicles and directed energy weapons will disrupt the U.S. Army’s current electrical infrastructure. The tactical battalion command post can serve as the kernel of the mobile military microgrids needs to integrate ECVs and DEWs in brigade combat teams for multi-domain operations.

What type of power does a military command post use?

U.S. Army command posts are modern command-and-control nodes. They contain a high density of computers and communications equipment that consume electricity. These devices all require direct current (DC) electrical power. The diesel generators produce alternating current (AC) electrical power.