GORE PYRAD

Archive for the ‘Power’ Category

USMC Seeks Portable Fuel Analyzer

Thursday, July 26th, 2012

MARCORSYSCOM has just released a sources sought notice for a Portable Fuel Analyzer. According to the RFI, “The PFA will consist of a system that will enable an unskilled incidental operator the capability to rapidly obtain and analyze sample of indigenous/captured fuel stocks on location to determine usability for immediate exploitation.” Basically, they want a device that will allow the novice to determine whether or not a fuel source is contaminated and can be used to power a vehicle or generator. This is critical in small unit operations where they may be required to scavenge fuel from a variety of sources.

1. The components of the PFA shall be maintained and operated by a single incidental operator and not require formal institutional training in order to operate and maintain the system at the unit level (Threshold).

2. All operator functions shall be capable of being performed during reduced light conditions with the aid of a maximum of 50 lumens of unfiltered white iridescent or Light Emitting Diode (LED) illumination source (Threshold).

3. The PFA sampling and analyzing components shall be able to be operated and maintained in a Nuclear, Biological and Chemical contamination environment by personnel in Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) level IV and be capable of withstanding decontamination (Threshold).

4. The analyzing and sampling components of the PFA shall be contained in a hardened case to prevent, other than normal wear and tear, damage during repeated transport, handling and lifting in a field environment (Threshold).

5. The PFA components shall be able to operate in temperature ranges from -4°F to 110°F (Threshold) and -25°F to 135°F (Objective).

6. All components shall be able to remain operational after exposure to uncontrolled climates that the USMC will deploy within , to include rain, dust, sand, etc. (Threshold).

7. All PFA components shall be able to withstand a transit drop In Accordance With (IAW) MIL-STD-810G Method 516.6 Procedure IV without adverse performance to their operational capability (Threshold).

8. The dimensions of the analyzing and sampling components case will not exceed 24″x18″x12″ (Threshold).

9. The weight of the component case will not exceed the maximum weight limits for portability by a single Marine (Male/Female) IAW MIL-STD-1472F (Threshold)

10. The sampling component of the PFA shall provide the capability to rapidly obtain adequate quantities required for analysis (Threshold).

11. The analyzing component of the PFA shall have the capability to analyze an indigenous/captured fuel source and determine is suitability IAW military fuel standards for use in ground combat vehicles and equipment (Threshold) as well as combat aviation platforms (Objective).

12. The analyzer portion of the PFA shall accurately provide in easily read format, “GO/NO GO” determination of the usability of indigenous/captured fuel IAW military fuel standards (Threshold) and a detailed format showing each critical property results for reporting purposes when the sampled fuel stocks do not meet specifications (Objective).

13. The operational time required for the incidental operator to obtain and analyze a sample of indigenous/captured fuel to determine its usability shall not exceed ten minutes (Threshold) and 30 seconds (Objective).

14. The PFA shall be capable of self-sustained operations for at least 15 fuel analyses (Threshold) or 60 months of repeated use (Objective).

15. If required, the PFA analyzer shall operate on battery power for 3 hours (Threshold). If the batteries are removable, they shall be a service common solution from the commercial sector (AA, AAA, B, C, D, 9V, CR-123) or existing military battery (Threshold).

16. If a power source is required, the PFA analyzer shall also have the capability to operate/charge on 85-240 AC current, and be internally protected from power surge (Threshold).

17. The PFA system shall be able to be shipped by commercial air carrier, rail, loose cargo, helicopter, etc (Threshold).

In particular, SYSCOM wants to know –
1. Industry comments on draft USMC performance requirements, to include ability to meet performance requirements.
2. Industry comments on draft USMC work statement, to include ability to meet work requirements.
3. Industrial capability to manage and execute this type program
4. Industrial comments on production rate and timing
5. Past performance delivering a like or similar capability

Interested parties should visit www.fbo.gov for full details.

Powertraveller Solarmonkey Adventurer

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

This video gives a great overview of the Powertraveller Solarmonkey Adventurer. It’s a slimline, compact 2-panel solar charger with a 2500mAh internal lithium polymer battery. The clamshell design offers optimum weight-to-efficiency at just 265g and the 2 solar panels output 3 watt max. The adventurer features auto-load, self sensing switching technology, meaning when a device is connected, the adventurer will automatically start to charge your device and will optimise the charging parameters required.

20120627-105833.jpg

The polysilicon solar panel offers photovoltaic efficiency up to 17% and features a USB 700mA @ 5v output, fully supporting Apple iPhones, iPads, iPods, mobile phones and other 5v gadgets such as portable games consoles, handheld GPS systems, e-readers, etc. This is possible through the use of a family of pigtail adapters.

20120627-110149.jpg

The solarmonkey adventurer also has a solar energy detection feature which activates the incorporated state-of-the-art MPPT (maximum power point tracker) technology, allowing it to charge your device more efficiently in low light conditions. The solar panels will charge the internal battery in just 12 hours in optimum light conditions.

outdoor tactical.com/power_traveller

Mission Outfitters Offering Pro Deal on Powertraveller to SSD Readers

Monday, June 18th, 2012

20120618-073710.jpg

Mission Outfitters is very pleased to offer SSD readers a PRO deal on ALL Powertraveller products for 30 days. To receive this special offer simply log on to Mission-Outfitters.com, select the Powertraveller products you wish to purchase and then at check out use discount code PRODEAL in the appropriate area at checkout to receive 40% off of MSRP on all Powertraveller Products.

Additionally, Powertraveller, OTE and Mission Outfitters would like to pass their appreciation to all the help of the Military, Extreme Adventure Professionals, Contractors and Industry professionals such as Granite Gear and Princeton Tec for help in the development of some of their new systems and carriage and deployment options.

20120618-073749.jpg

Powertraveller products offer state-of-the-art design, environmentally friendly lithium polymer storage devices and our polysilicon solar panels offer photovoltaic efficiency up to 17%. Powertraveller products offer power on the go, with all of their storage device being able to be recharged from the sun, car, USB or standard wall outlet. So whether you are frantically searching for an outlet plug at the airport, climbing MT Everest, paddling across the Atlantic solo or jumping out of perfectly good aircraft, Powertraveller products offer element friendly, rugged, durable and affordable options.

Mission-Outfitters.com

Power Forward Trinity Systems ADS Tactical

Friday, June 1st, 2012

Think a generator that can be powered by MOGAS, diesel, JP8, isopropyl alcohol, kerosene, propane or even booze is a fantasy? So did I until I saw the Power Forward. It’s one component of the Trinity Systems offered by INI Power.

The Trinity Systems are currently offered in two flavors, a 1000W system and a 2000W system and each consists of flex fuel power, generation, harvesting, and storage modules which are all man portable.

You can harvest power using partially discharged batteries as well as solar energy and store your power utilizing a battery bank included with the system. The system also comes with a lightweight, clear propane tank so you can monitor your supply. Additionally, there is a flexible exhaust tube that allows you to run the generator indoors if needed.

Right away, I saw some serious advantages. For one thing, you can use virtually any fuel so when you can’t run that cool generator that the contracting guy bought for you down the souk because you ran out of MOGAS, you could keep on going with the Power Forward generator. What’s more, you can mix fuels and it keeps right on ticking. Additionally, it produces the amount of power you need. You don’t have to run a big trailer mounted Gen Set with it’s associated noise, maintenance and other hazards. And, you don’t have to produce 1KW when you don’t need it, so this will cut down on fuel use. This means you are taking some pressure off of the log train resulting in fewer troops facing the danger of convoys to bring you fuel. In extreme cases, you can even scavenge for fuel thanks to the flexibility of the system.

Units and agencies can purchase the Trinity Series though ADSinc.com.

PowerPot

Sunday, May 13th, 2012

The PowerPot is a thermoelectric 5W or 10W generator (depending on model) that can charge any of your USB devices. It’s a waterproof, fire-resistant, and built-to-last portable generator that weighs less than a pound. To use, it’s as simple as boiling a pot of water. The PowerPot converts that heat energy into electricity.

Notice the orangish rand around the pot? That’s the element. The cable has three feet of flame resistant wire with four layers of thermal protection. There’s also a solid-state voltage regulator which offers up to 5W of power to charge your devices. You can also attach an LED light or directly power speakers, lights, fans, or other low-power appliances.

www.thepowerpot.com

Fuel Efficient Ground Vehicle Demonstrator (Bravo version)

Friday, May 4th, 2012

Last week, the US Army unveiled the Fuel Efficient ground vehicle Demonstrator (Bravo version) or FED Bravo.

The Army collaborated with 18 students at the College for Creative Studies, or CCS, in Detroit to design the concept vehicle to meet specific Army requirements for fuel economy, performance, protection, payload and interior layout.

FED Bravo sports a Ford 4.4-liter twin turbocharged V8 diesel engine capable of producing 268 hp. Other features include:

• Road-coupled parallel hybrid drive system. The front axle is powered by an electric motor, while the rear-wheel drive is linked to a hybrid fuel-powered and electric system.

• Integrated starter-generator that shuts off the engine during idle time and restarts it when the driver presses the accelerator which improves fuel economy and reduces emissions.

• Six-speed auto transmission coupled with an advanced lithium-ion battery with high energy and power density.

• The full-power hydraulic brake system with antilock brakes is combined with the vehicle’s steering system to supply the hydraulic pressure demands for the steering, eliminating a second pump and improving efficiency.

• Carbon ceramic brake rotors with advanced coating for durability, plus low-drag aluminum brake calipers.

• Tubular space from chassis for better rigidity-to-weight ratio combined with armored cab and V-shaped hull for protection from blasts.

POWERFob

Sunday, April 29th, 2012

POWERFob was a demonstration held in July 2011 on Cyprus by British and Canadian forces to demonstrate new ways of reducing fuel consumption within a Forward Operating Base.

The results were that they were able to reduce fuel consumption at the FOB by 45%, and allow the generators to be switched off for 8 hours overnight to allow ‘silent running’, without affecting the camp systems.

Solar Stik WASP 30

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

I met Solar Stik a few years ago at Modern Day Marine and they’ve been in the business of providing green energy solutions to Government for some time. The thing about green energy is that you have to embrace it rather than looking at it as some kind of hippy cause. Think of it from the viewpoint a survivor on a desert isle, where you have to harness all of your resources. Chances are good that there is plenty of sun and wind when you are deployed but you aren’t getting it to work for you. Both of those resources can be used to produce power. In fact, once you adopt that mindset, you might consider Solar Stik’s WASP as a manportable solar generator.

Solar Stik developed the WASP in cooperation with another company, Orlando, Florida based Advanced Power Electronics Corporation (ApECOR). ApECOR’s benchmark X-90 multi-chemistry battery charger is the core component of the WASP. The X-90 can be used to charge many military battery, including the popular BB-2590 rechargeable Li-Ion battery.

WASPs are available in three versions: 30W, 60W, and 120W flexible solar panels and include flexible solar panels, cables, connectors, and carriers.

Solar Stik WASP 30

For more information visit www.solarstik.com.