Marine Corps Expeditionary Power: Cost Effective Analysis of Power Generation/Storage to Offset Constrained Logistics

Abstract

This thesis provides a preliminary cost and operational effectiveness analysis of alternative power generation and storage capabilities needed to advance the Marine Corps Expeditionary Power and reduce fuel reliance during constrained combat operations at the tactical level. This work compares the current fuel efficiency of 60-kilowatt generators to three emerging energy alternatives: power storage, hydroelectric buoys, and solar photovoltaic technology. This effort uses quantitative analysis to determine each capability’s life-cycle cost while using qualitative assessments to determine each system’s overall measure of effectiveness. The qualitative operational effectiveness is assessed across three criteria identified within the Marine Corps concept of employment: (1) operational persistence, (2) mobility, and (3) survivability. The intent of this study is to guide decision-making for future energy systems at the tactical level. The outcome shows that energy storage is the most effective alternative energy method for offsetting fuel consumption based on the established objective hierarchy, with a measure of overall effectiveness (MOE) score of .7996. Both solar power and hydroelectric buoys are less effective alternatives based on the established objective hierarchy, with MOE scores of .6251 and .2322 respectively. Energy storage, however, is more costly to implement than the current 60-kilowatt generator method of employment, requiring decision-makers to trade off costs.