Solid state RF and millimeter wave weapons systems require substantial power to operate. Pure solid state systems have limited energy density and require charging over the typical use cycle. The directed energy system must be compact enough to mount on a vehicle such as a HMMWV, a small trailer or a structure such as found within an embassy compound. Current power systems are much too large and heavy to meet the requirements of the system; therefore a higher power density solution is required. Candent Technologies is proposing a microturbine based power generation system, designed to provide up to 250 kW on a continuous basis, ready to use at any time with no limitations of on/off time or duty cycle that could render the system unavailable at a critical moment. The system consists of a small, single shaft gas turbine directly driving a high speed permanent magnet alternator at constant speed, with rectified output providing DC power. The turbine is fitted with a waste heat recovery system (recuperator), which results in fuel efficiency better than similar power diesels. This proposed system will be required one fourth of the weight and one third the volume of equivalent diesel systems.
Benefit: The inherently higher power density of the Candent Technologies microturbine driven high speed generator is the key to attaining the required system size to enable viable packaging of the direct energy weapon system. The reliability of the simple gas turbine engine configuration and the PM generator will ensure long and low maintenance life for the system. The use of the recuperated thermodynamic cycle will also ensure that fuel consumption is actually slightly better than a comparable reciprocating engine driven system. In addition, the system can be readily configured with an inverter to provide three phase AC power at standard voltages, which will increase the utility of the system in power generation applications, both stationary and mobile, as well as in electric marine propulsion and auxiliary power. This versatility will enable penetration into several other markets, enhanced by the multi-fuel capability of the system, which increases the potential for higher production volumes in both military and civilian markets, with the consequent lower costs to the Government, as well as the faster maturation of the system with multiple concurrent applications in operation.
Keywords: High efficiency, High efficiency, Light weight, Compact, Gas Turbine, high power density, Power generation
