Analysis of Geo-Location Data of Tactical Vehicles to Derive Wireless Recharging Requirements

As the United States Army explores electrified tactical vehicles, wireless power transfer (WPT) has emerged as a promising recharging method. WPT allows multiple vehicles to recharge while in proximity of a charging station based on a mobile platform. This study examines the requirements of WPT by analyzing geo-location data from over 400 tactical vehicles at the National Training Center. The data was extracted, cleaned, and analyzed to identify periods when vehicles were close enough for effective WPT. The analysis quantifies the amount of time vehicles spend in proximity and their average distance apart, both while stationary and moving, to establish initial WPT requirements. These results were combined with energy consumption rates to estimate the power throughput of a WPT system. Vehicles were found to be stationary and close to other vehicles for most of the day, making WPT a practical solution in those situations. Although the analysis found that WPT is feasible during convoys, the required power throughput is larger and fewer vehicles can be recharged, making it more challenging than when the vehicles are stationary. The study also approximated the fuel consumption for the WPT if powered by a diesel genset; while less efficient than a wired system, it still reduces fuel consumption compared to conventional vehicles. This paper demonstrates then discusses the trade-off between the benefits of WPT with the cost of developing such a system.