The Hybrid Tactical Power Grid aims to improve generator efficiency by autonomously balancing loads across three generator phases using measurements from a data acquisition card. Loads will continue switching until the most balanced state is reached. The system can also interface with external power grids or microgrids using an intelligent power controller over a network, and has black start capabilities using hybrid power sources. Additional functionality was added this year including environmental control, bi-directional conversion, and load balancing.

1. The goal of the Hybrid Tactical Power Grid is to improve generator
efficiency by balancing demanding loads across 3 phases of power. The
loads will be autonomously switched based on measurements the Data
Acquisition card in the Power Distribution Unit sends to the LabVIEW
environment. The loads will continue to switch until the most balanced
state for the aggregate loads is achieved.
HTPG will also have the ability to interface with a power grid or larger
micro-grid if available and connected through a network, but have the
capability to remain islanded with the use of hybrid power. Additional
functionality has been added this year to include an improving black
start capability, environmental control unit controller design, and a gate
driver for the bi-directional converter.
Outcomes
Description
Features
• Automated load balancing
• Ability to interface with grid using the Intelligent
Power Controller and network
• Bi-directional converter for battery bank
• Arduino code controls phase PWM phase shift
which directly controls the flow of current
• Black Start Capabilities
• Integration of an environmental control unit
controller for demand response
• Reduce diesel fuel consumption
• Use of alternative sources of energy
• Improve generator utilization through use
of energy storage
• Reduce number of convoy operations to protect
lives of soldiers
• Automated load balancing will keep generators in
commission longer and avoid wet-stacking
• GUI gives the commander the ability to see how
loads are balanced and manually control the PDU
HTPG – HYBRID TACTICAL POWER GRID
CDTs Julian Barker, Austen Davenport, Shabir Kabiri, John Malcolm, and Miguel Zepeda
Advisors: Dr. Aaron St. Leger and CPT Jeremy Spruce
1
ECU Controller
Gate Driver
and Arduino
Test Bed