LTC Corey James has been working alongside with ARL researchers. As shown in recent conflicts, the Army relies on vast amounts of fuel and energy transported across supply lines that are difficult and dangerous to defend. To address this problem, James is conducting a summer research collaboration at the laboratory, where he is analyzing how to make technology platforms and squad operations run more efficiently.
"In simple terms, you can apply rigorous optimization and control to all of our systems as we build them, which reduces cost and waste," James said. "I'm showing a way to do that with energy systems."
James is currently developing a preliminary proposal for a phased project addressing problems with energy efficiency in the Army. The research examines energy challenges at the squad and system level. An example of a vulnerability at the squad level is the frequency of convoys transporting fuel in areas like Iraq. With each energy transport, the driver and the passengers are at risk of enemy attacks.
By optimizing energy use, resupplying a base camp three times per week could be reduced to one, lessening the number of Soldiers traveling along vulnerable roads. "Convoys in Iraq are dangerous to those who drive them," James said. "They make easy targets. Any time you make something more efficient than it was yesterday, you're helping with that problem and saving lives. Because if they're not out there, they don't get blown up." Read More