S. McIntosh, S. Carmody
Lightning Packs, Pennsylvania, United States
Keywords: soldier power, rucksacks, energy harvesting
Lightning Packs has developed an electricity-generating rucksack that produces 10-50 watts (W) of continuous power and is fully functional in extreme cold (below -40°C ). The Lightning Pack uses kinetic energy to generate electricity while also reducing dynamic loads on the warfighter’s back without increasing caloric expenditure. The electricity can directly power electronics and charge batteries—reducing the total weight of batteries. An inherent problem with using battery powered devices at cold ambient temperatures is battery function is compromised or fails. The company has developed a battery warming pouch powered by the electricity generated by The Pack to keep batteries warm. Unlike other energy generation and storage devices which increase the load on soldiers back, a Lightning Pack reduces the burden of carrying extra equipment. The Lightning Pack generates power while walking/running and can also be hand-pumped when encamped to directly power radios. The pack has been demonstrated in several military field experiments (even in extreme cold), to reliably produce electricity and significantly reduce the dynamic forces on a dismounted warfighter’s body. Testing locations include Eielson AFB AK, the Army’s CRREL in NH and Resolute Canada, 580 miles north of the Arctic Circle.