U. S. Army Research in Electrical Propulsion 670454
This paper summarizes the present state-of-the-art in U. S. Army research in electrical vehicular propulsion systems. The powerplants discussed are: compression ignition and spark ignition engine generators, hybrid engines, turbine generators, Stirling engines, Rankine cycle engines, fuel cells, and batteries. The liquid hydrogen fuel cell offers the greatest potential for military applications because of the compatibility of the fuel. Also covered are the power conditioning units and drive units.
The authors discuss in detail the five electric propulsion test beds being used at USAERDL: the BEST, ultra high speed, a-c electric wheel, d-c brushless and fuel cell.
