Our goal is to improve the energy efficiency, resilience, and capabilities of the US Navy by managing this critical resource intelligently.  The proliferation of autonomous systems, networking, energy harvesting, electric drivetrains, and microgrids has opened a world of opportunities for novel energy management strategies and techniques.  We are tackling energy management challenges for autonomous vehicles, dismounted soldiers, utility-scale batteries, microgrids, hydrogen fuel production, and other systems.  Current programs include research in: 

·         in-field mission planning tools to minimize solider power system weight,

·         scheduling algorithms to maximize the utility of shared battery chargers within platoons,

·         energy-optimal path planners for autonomous vehicles that leverage weather forecast data,

·         energy managers for unmanned aircraft with hybrid powertrains, and

·         multi-agent collaboration algorithms for ground vehicles which harvest and share energy.

These are not theoretical studies; results are verified with hardware in field experiments and demonstrations. 

The NRL Alternative Energy Section conducts scientific and engineering research to improve the energy efficiency, resilience, and capabilities of the US Navy. In recent years we have focused on electrochemical devices such as fuel cells and batteries, and hybrid systems for vehicles and microgrids. We are vertically integrated with efforts ranging from laboratory studies to the development of full scale prototype systems. Many of our programs include collaborations with academic, government, and industrial organizations. Key competencies include controls, optimization, simulation, and prototype development.

key words

Energy; Optimization; Autonomous; Vehicle; Simulation; Model; Data; Analysis; Planning

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants

Additional Benefits

Relocation

Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.

Health insurance

A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.