Problems

Each application has a power systems challenge and associated technology barriers. The barriers dictate the fundamental studies needed, and the fundamental studies lead to designs that are realized through the precise manufacture of power system components. The components are then integrated into a personal power system. During the integration process, new demands and barriers may surface, and the cycle may repeat.
Hence, to achieve optimal power source modules,the Center encompasses three layers:
(1) fundamentals of energy release and power extraction, including fuel processing and exhaust management
(2) precision manufacturing of power components
(3) systems control and integration, including the creation of intelligent hybrid power sources.

Personal Power requires energy dense fuels, which are converted into forms which release energy. Energy release occurs via biochemical, electrochemical, or thermochemical processes, and power extraction converts the released energy into useful work. Finally, exhaust management maintains human compatibility with any thermal, chemical, or acoustic exhaust products. Physically realizing any personal power strategy in functional devices requires precision manufacturing, often with techniques beyond the state-of-the-art. The power components are then integrated into compact power sources or hybrid power systems that meet the power profile requirements. Integration takes place throughout the research and development process so that PPS performance will, through system control, integration, and optimization, match the power demand.