Raytheon UK’s Integrated Power Solutions (IPS) business unit has, in collaboration with key technology partners, developed an extremely compact and lightweight Portable Power Generator (PPG) that can burn a variety of fuels (including diesel, kerosene and JP8 aviation fuel) to generate a regulated 28V DC.
Raytheon is currently building a 2kW technical demonstrator PPG, capable of providing an anticipated 12 hours of power at full load depending on the operating environment, and will also be evaluating options for different loads; possible thanks to the modularity and scalability of the PPG’s electrical architecture.
Man-portable, Raytheon’s PPG will weigh between 10 and 12kg, excluding fuel and depending on the model (intended electrical load). Military and emergency service personnel, such as first responders, will be able to wear the unit in the field, and the PPG features quick release mechanisms and supports rapid refuelling thanks to the use of detachable fuel tanks.
Military applications include the recharging of field equipment, such as radios, GPS systems, SAT phones and night vision goggles, and the PPG can also act as an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) for land vehicles. The PPG has low thermal and noise signatures and the use of clean-burn JP8 aviation fuel ensures minimal smoke. Commercial applications include the leisure industry, automotive (including heavy goods and recreational vehicles), industrial and construction.
“Over the years, we have invested heavily in the development of fit-for-purpose power products that include power switch nodes, power converters, power factor correction units and battery health monitoring systems,” comments John Kennedy, head of Raytheon UK’s IPS business unit. “Our Portable Power Generator is in keeping with our SWaP-V philosophy, which is our unwavering commitment to reduce size and weight whilst also increasing power and delivering value for money.”
The dimensions of all production variants of the PPG are provisionally 500mm (h) x 450mm (w) and 210mm (d), and ballistic protection could be made available for military versions of the unit.
The PPG employs an efficient two-cylinder engine, which can work in multiple orientations, and the operating temperature range of the unit is -32 to 55oC.
Kennedy concludes, “Whilst fuel-burning, electrical power generating units are far from new, Raytheon’s Portable Power Generator is one of the most compact and lightweight units to be developed and which has such huge potential within so many applications and markets. The generator is also a prime example of our integration capabilities, our understanding of harsh environment applications and the fact that Raytheon’s activities in the power sector span from semiconductor fabrication through to aircraft power architecture modelling. We have also had great support from our suppliers during the development of our Portable Power Generator.”
