Posted 7/8/05

Today, Sacred Power Corporation, the nation's largest Native American owned renewable energy systems manufacturer, showcased its U.S. Army contracted, Mobile Alternating Current System (MACS), to Congresswoman Heather Wilson (R-NM) before the system is packaged and shipped off to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

The renewable energy system incorporates 6kW of thin film photovoltaics, 1kW wind turbine, and battery and inverter system, that power a hydrogen electrolyzer that strips hydrogen atoms from water. The hydrogen is stored for future use in tanks. When called upon the hydrogen fuel is burned in a specially configured 4-cylinder engine. The engine drives a conventional 5kW generator. The entire system is compactly designed to fit in a general issue Army trailer.

The Army's intention is to use the system as a learning tool for future generation of Cadets studying engineering and sciences at West Point.

The Army is looking for alternatives to its existing diesel fueled remote power generating systems, which have been in place since the early 1900's. Many environmental issues are occurring in places such as Ft. Irwin, CA, in which the Army is expected to do its part to alleviate the Southern California smog problem.

The power system can also operate when refueling is an issue but, access to a water supply is not, such as powering a remote communication systems.