A techno-economic analysis of portable power systems

Abstract

The modern world is increasingly reliant on technology and consequently the systems which power it. Portable power systems are used in a wide variety of applications to varying degrees of success. Within the power range of 10 – 5000W the current power systems are not adequately ‘portable’. Thus the aim of this thesis is to recommend chosen portable power systems which are best suited to certain portable power applications.A comprehensive, critical analysis of relevant portable power systems; micro combustion engines, fuel cells and batteries has led to accurate recommendations being made on the benefits of each in various portable power applications of unmanned aerial vehicles, military services, personal electronics and portable generators.An extensive literature review has been undertaken and research compiled on the previously stated portable power applications and portable power systems. From this research, a relevant assessment framework was created to perform a comparative analysis of each power system. Using a multi-criteria decision making analytical hierarchy process, a matrix of criteria necessary for portable power applications was made presenting weightings for each criteria, quantifying their importance. A ranking system was defined to enable each power systems features in relation to each stated criteria to be ranked. Multiplying the weightings and rankings together resulted in weighted rankings for each power system in relation to each portable power application.Analysing the results obtained from the assessment framework indicated that micro combustion engines were best suited to all portable power applications. Batteries were a close second in all applications and fuel cells ranked significantly lower than both of these systems in all applications. Whilst micro combustion engines are not currently commercially available, they have incredible potential in the portable power market, and if research and improvements continue they will be a preferred choice to a battery in future. Currently batteries are still the best product on the market for portable power applications due to their maturity and commercial success.It is recommended that in future the further criteria be established and a wider range of rankings used to improve the accuracy of results. It is also recommended that in future the data the rankings are based off be updated, as fuel cells and micro combustion engines are a quickly improving technology whose features will change in future.