When deployed on the ULTV, the LMADIS requires 5-kW electrical power from an independent diesel generator the resulting system is 15-lbs. over the maximum GVW. Future mission growth is expected to increase the power demands to 10-kW resulting in an additional 200-lb. A compact, lightweight generator is required to keep the ULTV safely within allowable GVW. Orbital proposes to design and integrate into the Ultra-Light Tactical Vehicle (ULTV) platform a new electrical generator system. The controlled velocity generator (CVG) replaces the existing engine alternator and APU providing a 300% increase in electrical power output across the system operating range. The solution, an on-engine, modular power system, is significantly lighter and smaller than currently deployed systems resulting in a more mobile combat force. The CVG will: 1) exceed current power required for C-UAS eliminating the current APU; 2) increase electrical power output for future mission growth; and 3) maintain ULTV transportability by meeting GVW ratings. The CVG system is a step-change improvement in efficiency and power density. Orbitals proposed solution is based on a novel adjustable speed drive (ASD) technology coupled to new generator technologies. Orbital has already demonstrated the viability for this solution on engine accessories in other military vehicles.
Benefit: The primary benefit of the proposed research for the controlled velocity generator, CVG would be a scalable solution for export power that enhances the capabilities of the ULTV. The CVG will provide improved mission profile for the ULTV including 1) increased electrical power output; 2) significant weight savings by eliminating APU requirements; and 3) improved vehicle performance including fuel savings with optimized engine electrical power generation. Defense
Benefits: Benefits of the proposed solution include increased mission capability, significantly improved exportable power, reduced system weight, and reduced logistics by eliminating the APU and its fuel. In addition to meeting the demands of the current C-UAS, the increased exportable power could enable future weapon and defense systems that are not currently envisioned for this vehicle or other vehicles. As a modular and scalable solution, various sizes can be developed to address a broad range of power system requirements for larger vehicles, mobile command, control units or temporary shore power. Given that fuel is the second-highest battlefield operational need behind water, reductions in fuel consumption provide greater freedom of action and mobility, further helping to reduce the vulnerability of warfighter logistics elements. The ultimate focus is enabling and reducing risk to the warfighter as the end-user. As a compact and efficient power generation system, the warfighter operating a ground, aerial, or C-UAS system will receive the benefits of enhanced range and increased mission profiles. Size and weight reductions provide for increased payloads, increased mobility, easier handling and reduced logistics risk, including reducing the number of vehicles and the warfighters exposure. In a military vehicle platform, the solution could enable a vehicle system to supply significant amounts of exportable electrical power. Non-Defense
Benefits: The solution is directly applicable to the transportation industrys need for improved performance, increased fuel economy and reduced emissions for on vehicle power. The technology can also provide similar benefits for portable power generation. Orbitals transition plan will be similar to the successful approach used on prior SBIR efforts. The transition plan includes identification and engagement of Orbitals strategic partners in industrial, oilfield, agricultural and construction. In addition to alternator replacement applications there is significant potential for the technology in hybrid drivelines for increased energy recovery.
Keywords: Controlled Velocity Generator, Controlled Velocity Generator, High Output Alternator, Hybrid Power Generation System, continuously variable transmission, Generator, Light Weight Generator, Adjustable Speed Drive, Sustainable Energy Efficiency
