ARG - A lightweight, highly compact, high power to weigth ratio, low cost, 10kW military auxillary power unit

In combat situations, access to electrical power is a major logistical challenge with many military resources powered by electricity; from cell phones, computers and communications systems to surveillance equipment and low-level lighting. According to the Defence Science Board’s task force on energy strategy, standard generators are the single largest users of fuel on the battlefield. Existing military generators are large, heavy, noisy, fuel inefficient and expensive to run. This makes generators undesirable as auxiliary power units, whilst their weight makes them difficult to manoeuvre, leaving expeditionary forces with limited options when operating in remote and austere environments. The military market dictates that mobile/remote electrical power incur the minimum size and weight penalties possible, without compromising on efficiency or increasing fuel cost. Through a previously successfully completed, Innovate UK funded, Proof of Market study, Gibson Technology & Ricardo identified the desired operating parameters, market opportunity, expectations, route to market & relevant standards within the Defence sector. This project will prove the concept of a kerosene JP-8 fuelled, highly compact, lightweight, high power to weight ratio, low external signature, low cost 10kW Advanced Rotary Generator. Such disruptive product will provide a solution of unequalled performance compared to existing state of the art auxiliary power units and will lead to considerable improvements in operational capacities.