A Systems Approach for Analyzing Operational Energy Requirements for the Warfighter

Abstract

Warfighters are carrying increasing amounts of electronics to provide them a tactical edge. These electronics are now imposing a substantial operational energy burden where missions are often constrained by energy requirements. Current operational energy analyses typically only look at the power draw of individual equipment. However, a systems approach more holistically captures these operational energy requirements. A system is defined to consist of the following three components: the soldier, their equipment, and the mission. This analysis then defines each component and then evaluates the interactions between them. These definitions and interactions are captured through a series of tables that can be built in Microsoft Excel which allows for tradespace analysis. This paper outlines this process and presents two case studies. The first case study evaluates adding energy harvesters to a dismounted rifle squad during a 72-hour movement to contact. The second case study evaluates adding a solar blanket to power electronics in a military vehicle during a 24-hour overwatch mission.