The experiences from Iraq and Afghanistan have shown that the cost of transporting fuel to the frontline units has cost hundreds of millions and the lives of many soldiers. With the «energy-starving» systems the problem is only further augmented, thus requiring intelligent solutions.

Intracom Defense Electronics HEPS came to solve a series of problems. The first is the reduced cost for the procurement of fuel, the second is the decreased cost of maintaining a generator, which can reach up to 85%, and the third is the storage of any excess energy.

At the core of the HEPS lays the Energy Storage System which uses ultra-safe Lithium-Ion battery cells, of Lithium Ferro-phosphate LiFePO4 type, and the Advanced Battery Management System. These come in a compact and lightweight form, making the system ideal for mobile, lightweight or forward operating units.

The hybrid system can manage the energy from a different sources such as a generator, solar panels or wind turbines, and store any excess power. However, what Intracom Defense Electronics has done is that it has solved one of the biggest deficiencies of the generators. As an internal combustion device, a generator requires amounts of fuel and suffers from damages, which are highly increased when not operated in full capacity.

Therefore, any attempt to save money by using a generator in lower capacity, will be returned exponentially in the form of maintenance cost. HEPS allows the user to operate the generator in full capacity, manage its output in the grid and store the excess energy, while the load branch independence is achieved through grid connectivity, making the system a powerful UPS that offers hybrid energy capabilities and power security to critical load branches of the installation.

Every HEPS system can operate within a grid, supplying electric energy to a wider area. Being highly customized, it can replace any legacy generator systems with clear results.

by Stylianos Kanavakis

Senior Defence Analyst