The Department of Defense, specifically the Army, is seeking proposals for the development of a Multi-Fuel Platoon Power Generator (PPG) under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The objective is to create a power generator capable of producing over 1.5 kW of continuous output while minimizing weight and logistical burdens for platoons during Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO). This innovative generator will enhance mission readiness by allowing platoons to operate semi-independently, reducing the need for extensive battery resupply and support from higher echelons. Interested parties can submit Phase I proposals with a funding amount of up to $250,000, with a performance period of six months, and the application deadline is July 23, 2025. For more details, visit the solicitation link at https://www.sbir.gov/topics/12185.

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Advanced Materials, Mission Readiness & Disaster Preparedness, Sustainment & Logistics 

 

OBJECTIVE: The topic aims to fulfill the need for a Platoon Scale Power Generator (PPG) that will allow Platoons to operate semi-independently over extended periods of time and distance during Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO).  PPG is one part of the Platoon’s overall power generation capabilities. It will convert an energy source, such as fossil fuels and/or alternative fuels, to electric power, to charge and recharge large quantities of a Platoon’s batteries quickly and efficiently.  This will minimize the need for support from higher echelons thus, greatly reducing logistical burdens of power and battery related resupply.  PPG will reduce the need for the Platoon to carry large quantities of extra batteries. 

 

DESCRIPTION: The PPG will meet the following requirements: 

The system shall produce >1.5 kW of continuous output power  

When in operation, the system’s fuel source shall have an energy density of 500-2000 Wh/kg  

PPG shall provide either 120VAC or 28VDC (T) and 240VAC (O) at a frequency of 60 Hertz  

The system shall not exceed 55lbs. (T).  The goal is to minimize the system weight below 20 lbs without fuel  

System shall be able to operate in parallel with ≥two (2) systems, same model, output, and mode, (T) and up to four (4) systems of same or different types, models, outputs and modes, (O) together to produce greater power and increase overall system reliability 

PPG can be optimized to operate on one fuel type or be capable of operating on multiple fuels.  Where applicable, consider operation on DoD approved lubricants and standard military fuels such as JP-8, F-24. DF2 or alternative fuels to include, but not limited to methanol, methanol-water mixture, ALANE (AIH3), High Energy Aluminum (HEA), or Activated Aluminum 

The volume of the PPG shall be between 2 – 10 cubic feet 

PHASE I: This topic is accepting Phase I proposals for a cost up to $250,000 for a 6-month period of performance. 

 

Demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed Platoon Power Generator technology. Identify the technology, fuel choice, along with supporting information. Develop the overall system design, model the size and weight of the system, component choices and sources and perform a comparative analysis of the design metrics with incumbent generator solutions and other technology/fuel implementations from literature. Provide a report on the findings. 

 

PHASE II: Further develop and demonstrate the Platoon Power Generator designed in Phase I.  Performers will source and/or build and test key components of the system leading to the demonstration of a TRL 4 breadboard system during phase II performance. Upon a successful demonstration at TRL 4, refinements will be made to improve the system design and address any findings from the breadboard demonstration. Two functional systems will be delivered to the Army for evaluation at the end of the Phase II effort to support 100 hours of testing each, at the nominal power output of the system. 

 

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: 

The generator market is currently a $35.9 billion industry and is expected to grow to $53.5 billion industry by 2032*.  The product of this work is directly applicable to the commercial market.  

REFERENCES:   

“Family of Lightweight Logistics Fueled Generators”; Timothy LaBreche, Subir Roychoudhury, David Spence; Proceedings of the Journal of Power Sources 29. https://powersourcesconference.com/PowerSources23/docs/17-5.pdf  

Mobile Power Portfolio Overview Brief”;  https://ndia.dtic.mil/wp-content/uploads/2024/tactical/Beyerl.pdf 

EG&G Technical Services, Inc. “Fuel Cell Handbook” Seventh Edition, U.S. Department of Energy Office of Fossil Energy, November 2004 https://www.netl.doe.gov/sites/default/files/netl-file/FCHandbook7.pdf 

*Generator Market By Type (Diesel Generators, Gas Generators, Solar Generators, and Inverter Generators), By Power Rating (Below 100 kVA, 100–350 kVA, and Above 350 kVA), By Application (Standby Power, Prime Power, and Continuous Power), By End User (Residential, Commercial, and Industrial), Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecasts 2025-2032 Report ID : 3262 | 2025-01-22, Pages : 255 https://www.metastatinsight.com/report/generator-market 

 

KEYWORDS: Platoon, Power Generator, multi-fuel, methanol, High Energy Aluminum, Alane, JP8, DF2, alternative fuel, PEM fuel cell, Solid Oxide Fuel Cell, Silent, Stirling Engine

Multi-Fuel Platoon Power Generator

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