Self-powered Field Feeding System

摘要

Thermoelectric technology has been used to reduce the logistics of field feeding. A conventional Tray Ration Heater (TRH) powered by the HMMWV, was redesigned to include a thermoelectric generator, a low power consumption DC burner, and a newly designed Power Management System (POMS). Two STRHs were fabricated and tested, and demonstrated the capability of heating rations for field feeding independent of external power generation equipment. In addition, the STRH produces surplus electricity that can be used for various needs, such as lighting, battery charging, powering radios, communication devices, etc. Most importantly, the independent operation of the STRH provides the operational flexibility to drop the field feeding system should there be a requirement for the HMMWV to accomplish another mission. Compared to powering the TRH with a 2 kW diesel generator, the integral thermoelectric generator reduces the field feeding system weight, cost, and fuel consumption, while significantly increasing system reliability.