Fuel Efficient Forward Operating Base (FOB) Navy SBIR FY2010.3 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.3 Topic No.: N103-193 Topic Title: Fuel Efficient Forward Operating Base (FOB) Proposal No.: N103-193-0010 Firm: Intelligent Power & Energy Research Corporation PO Box 616 Fort Montgomery, New York 10922-0616 Contact: Darrell Massie Phone: (845) 781-0023 Web Site: www.iperc.us Abstract: IPERC will further develop our Intelligent Power Controller (IPC), an intelligent power management system, to reduce fuel consumption, decrease maintenance requirements and improve operational capabilities for the US military. We will refine a plug-and-play power grid that can be used across a broad range of power generation and loads characteristic of Marine Corps needs. The Intelligent Power Controller (IPC) consists of artificial intelligence software contained within a compact, portable hardware casing. The plug-and-play integrated devices of the IPC are able to learn from experience, self-correct and predict future performance. It is deployable across a decentralized network of energy generation or energy consumption equipment and can communicate with multiple IPCs. The IPC is an advanced modeling system which fundamentally changes the structure of supervisory controls and eliminates the need for centralized SCADA systems. Benefits: In July 2010, IPERC demonstrated a 36 percent fuel reduction for plug-and-play grids during a test to determine the benefits of making generators smart from the IPC. This project will further that effort and exploit progress to date. The military utilizes tactical generators to provide essential power to forward operating bases for all major deployments. These FOBs house command and control centers, critical communications equipment, strategic support systems for all major weapons (e.g., aircraft, radar, missile systems, etc.), hospital facilities, and personnel. Logistics support activities for deployed operations are encumbered with heavy generator re-fueling requirements. While "renewable" technologies can help reduce fuel transportation requirements, energy densities and lack of good energy storage options preclude their implementation in any meaningful way. In short, our best energy alternatives are to address increasing mission energy demand by investing in demand reduction and efficiency technologies. Return