Innovations in Army Energy and Power Materials Technologies

This compendium reports fundamental science and engineering advances of the US Army Research Labratory (ARL) within the area of Energy and Power technologies. ARL’s materials research addresses the requirements of all Army platforms, with emphasis on Photonics, Electronics, Biological and Bio-inspired Materials, Structural Materials, High Strain and Ballistic Materials, and Manufacturing Science. Special focus is given on electrochemical energy storage (batteries and capacitors) and electrochemical energy conversion (fuel cells, photoelectrochemistry, and photochemistry):

• Electromechanical Conversion: Power density, efficiency, and robustness of motors, generators, and actuators while also reducing their life cycle costs.

• Energy Storage: Electrical and electrochemical energy storage devices to decrease device size, weight, and cost as well as increase their capabilities in extreme temperatures and operating conditions.

• Power Control and Distribution: Tactical, deployable power systems using conventional fuels, alternative fuels, and energy harvested from renewable/ambient sources.

• Power Generation/Energy Conversion: Smart energy networks for platforms, forward operating bases, and facilities using modeling and simulation tools as well as new, greater capability and efficiency components.

• Thermal Transport and Control: Heat and higher power density systems, advanced components, system modeling, and adaptive or hybrid-cycle technologies.