As the Army becomes more mobile, a premium is to be paid for capability, minimal logistic requirements, reliability and minimal mass systems. Improvements in our ability to utilize high energy density fuels and unique converters instead of batteries might translate immediately into increased capability and, reduced cost and simplified logistics. Fieldable technology rarely equals laboratory prototype or theoretical capability. Hybrid Power Systems are multi-disciplinary. As the workshop progressed, several pacing ideas emerged which were used to guide the workshop process.
Power systems offer unique challenges to engineers and application specialists.
While a capability or mission may be feasible, more often than not, the power technology available determines the total mission profile. Often promising concepts are abandoned due to the lack of a foreseeable power technology which could remove it from being a laboratory curiosity. While electronic systems are becoming more efficient, the number of devices representing unique capabilities are increasing. Consequently the demand for reliable energy sources is paramount. Batteries as a logistic have unique problems associated with the chemistry, safety, cost, and supplier.