Mainstream Engineering Awarded Phase II Contract from U.S. Army for a Power Conditioning Surge Module

ROCKLEDGE, FL — December 7th, 2020  Mainstream Engineering Corporation has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Army to Develop an Advanced Power Conditioning Surge Module.

Standalone power systems and tactical microgrids are used by the Army to provide power to equipment used in forwarding operations. Unlike a full-scale power grid, Army tactical microgrids are powered by 60 kW generators. Because these generators are very small sources compared to those on a full-scale power grid, they are sensitive to power surges, inrush current, and current harmonics generated by non-linear loads. Power surges can cause system brownouts and generator failures. Current harmonics can cause communication errors and damage to equipment from overheating. The current solution to these issues is to oversize generators which decreases power system efficiency as well as generator reliability and lifespan. To provide a more practical and efficient solution, Mainstream has developed an advanced power conditioning surge module (PCSM) capable of providing the microgrids with up to 15 kW of 120/208 Vac, 50/60 Hz, and 400 Hz power for up to 5 seconds while also removing the adverse harmonics generated by non-linear loads.

About Mainstream Engineering Corporation
Mainstream Engineering Corporation is a 34-year-old Brevard County, Florida manufacturer with a history of leading-edge research and development that has resulted in advanced cost-competitive products, which are made in the USA. Founded in 1986, Mainstream’s mission is to transition advanced R&D into high-quality, environmentally safe, green, commercial products using lean manufacturing techniques. Areas of research include thermal control, energy conversion, power electronics, biomass conversion, chemical technology, and materials science.