Contest: Power Play Electrifying Operations on the Edge

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About the Challenge

Develop concepts, technologies, or systems to efficiently provide, store, or consume energy in an expeditionary environment.

Focus Areas

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Power Consumption

Advances in communications and computing technologies allow for vast amounts of data and intelligence to transmit to personnel in the field. However, the equipment needed to process and share this information requires a substantial amount of energy. A few questions:

• What software or hardware improvements exist that could increase data processing efficiency?
• Could existing technology be augmented to reduce its energy profile?
• What communication network design results in minimal energy demand?

Microgrids and Batteries

Given the potential challenges of remote installations, developing technologies to support microgrid and portable energy technologies is essential for military personnel. A few key questions:

• Are there ways to make renewable energy technologies more resilient and scalable?
• How do we best use alternative energy for 24-hour operations with low energy signatures?
• What sort of micro-grid designs and technologies could help deliver power in remote environments, or power networking in mobile conditions
• Are there ways to improve battery charging capabilities or extend the life of existing battery technologies?
• What alternative energy storage technologies can enable the use of intermittent renewable energies?

Autonomous Power

As autonomous systems perform more warfighting functions, the need for these platforms to sustain themselves with minimal or no human interaction is increasingly a reality. A few key questions:

• How can autonomous platforms recharge or refuel themselves without human assistance?
• What edge-computing and edge-AI/ML strategies reduce power/energy demand for autonomous platforms while enhancing operational capabilities?
• What maneuver strategies reduce power/energy demand for autonomous platforms while enhancing operational capabilities?

Timeline
25 Oct 2021 – 10 Nov 2021

Awards

Recognition & support.

Note: The registrations are closed