Micropower

Basics

• Devices utilizing small fuel powered generators that produce electrical power of ~1-10 Watts
• They utilize Micro Fuel Cells, Micro TECs, Micro Turbines, and Micro ICEs
• They can power small conventional electronic devices such as smart phones and computers via a cable, or be integrated into speciality devices designed around Micropower Generators

Uses

• Open Source Microfluidics Construction Set
• Open Source Fuels Construction Set

Background

Historical Origin

• The idea originated in the 80’s/90’s in NATO Countries along the development aims of the Single Fuel Standard
• The idea was essentially to have Soldiers’ Radios, Jammers, GPS Navigators, or Batlefield Computers etc run on the same JP-5 / JP-8 as everything else
• The idea could be made SLIGHTLY more “sane” by a larger worn device powering all the equipment on said person via a Wiring Harness of sorts combined into the Backpack Frame or Outerwear itself etc
  • RE: Passive Exoskeleton and Active Exoskeleton especially
    • Although the advantage of this level of tech on a per-soldier level vs sticking them all in a (potentially cheaper) APC/IFV etc is debatable (despite the latter being far less “sci-fi” )
    • IE instead of Per-Soldier Bullet Direction Finding, Navigation, Comms, EW, and such…you just have that powered by the GIANT DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE…
• The concept faded though with the proliferation of more energy efficient/smaller electronic devices, and the Lithium Ion Battery
  • To a lesser extent reliable Alkaline Batteries and Disposable Lithium Batteries too

Potential Resurgence

• Several factors may make the pursuit of the technology worthwhile again, while at the same time making it more “workable”
• 1.) As per the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, short of expensive vehicles with MASSIVE Active Protection System + SHORAD investments (and things such as Net Protected Roads/Tunnel Networks, vehicles are vulnerable and Force Dispersion is a requirement
• 2.) Logistics are Strained
  • Although Micropower wouldn’t be “pure” of this/Fuel Logistics still suffer
• 3.) UAVs, UGVs, Coms, and EW Requirements raise the need for Energy, while Battery Technology is advancing less explosively
• 4.) While the cost argument/tradeoffs vs PROPER mechanization still exist, the per-person loads, and COTS solutions, are making exoskeletons more viable
• 5.) Simpler options such as SOFCs exist that are far less “Kerbal” than Chip Scale Gas Turbines, or everyone having a Rotary Engine]] buzzing away on their backpack
  • Also like batteries they are silent
    • For example consider Early Boston Dynamics to Modern (Battery Electric) Spot

Internal Links

• Open Source Micropower Construction Set
• Microfluidic Hydrogen Production Chip

External Links

• The Wikipedia Page on Micropower