The Pentagon showcased more than 100 exhibits of energy technologies designed to support military operations at the Energy Sentry - Pentagon innovation expo.
The Department of War identified six technology focus areas including battery and power systems, nuclear energy, energy cybersecurity, and systems for remote military installations, the agency said.
One example is the Tactical Microgrid Standard program, which develops more efficient generators for remote military operations. The technology allows generators from different manufacturers to operate together using a specialized algorithm that improves fuel efficiency and grid resilience, according to Pablo Ruiz, an electrical engineer at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.
Another technology in development, called Microwave Power Beaming, would transmit solar power from satellites in space to remote areas on Earth, providing unlimited energy supply for troops without requiring resupply missions. Ground experiments are planned between now and 2028, with a space experiment expected in 2028, according to Chris Rodenbeck, head of the Advanced Concepts Group at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington.
The Air Force is also optimizing existing aircraft for fuel efficiency. Technologies like Finlets reduce drag by 6 to 8 percent on C-130 transport aircraft, adding 160 extra nautical miles per tank of fuel, while Flight Film adhesive reduces drag by 4 percent, according to Jacqueline Burns, Aircraft Optimization Division chief at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma.