13 Jun 2025

Enhanced Route Reconnaissance—Generation 1

Abstract: The movement of soldiers and materiel across battlespace is critical to a successful military operation. Knowledge of the road network condition ensures safe and successful vehicle maneuver. This research focused on remote assessment of poor-quality paved road networks for vehicle maneuver using data products derived from three-dimensional point clouds. Point clouds were generated from lidar sensors deployed from ground and airborne platforms to enable engineering analysis of the pavement surface. A series of algorithms developed to extract roughness, grade, radius of curvature, and width along the road network ensured storage of information for graphical display. A vehicle speed lookup table was calculated by conducting computer simulations using the NATO Reference Mobility Model over a range of road parameters. The lookup table enabled determination of the maximum allowable speed for a given vehicle type associated with the extracted road parameters. A graphical interface, developed for displaying the percentage speed reduction as either red, amber, or green squares along the road network, provided visual assessments of road condition. This report summarizes developing a software suite to calculate and visualize speed reduction over a road network as a function of route geometry, condition, and vehicle type. The interface developed can aid in critical logistical decisions that influence the success of military maneuver operations.

5 May 2025

Assessing a Mobile Microgrid to Support Electric Vehicle Charging Stations on Army Installations

Abstract: Supplying reliable, off-grid power is critical for transitioning the Army’s fleet to zero carbon emitting vehicles. At the same time, vehicle charging and mission support equipment may require increased electrical loads than currently experienced at Army installations. Other decarbonization initiatives require clean sources of energy. Using microgrids powered with renewable electricity generation systems is a viable, independent solution for powering electric vehicles. Yet, there is a need to fill information gaps in the performance of these systems for realizing sustainable and resilient energy. The goal of this project was to increase the Army’s energy resilience by reducing reliance on the utility grid by using a compact and mobile microgrid that functions as an EV charging station. In this study, a trailered, mobile microgrid that integrates solar panels, a diesel generator, and batteries is evaluated based on performance under varying conditions. The energy generation capabilities are documented and evaluated for capabilities for powering electric vehicles. The outcomes of this research are the advancement of energy resiliency and the addition of performance in temperate and cold regions to the knowledge base. It is also anticipated this research may be leveraged to facilitate power independence and further support decarbonization efforts.