On the modern battlefield, electrical power at the tactical edge is a prerequisite for maintaining situational awareness, targeting, ISR, command and control, and survivability. Small units require power sources that are portable, rugged, reliable, and have a low thermal, acoustic, and electromagnetic signature.
The Iris Technology Power HIVE Power Management and Distribution System prioritizes connected loads and delivers up to 1.5 kW of managed power output. With six standard BB-2590 batteries topped up from any available AC/DC power source, the system automatically transitions between external and battery power. This enables battery replacement without interrupting the supported load. Each BB-2590 battery is managed by a smart charging algorithm on a per-battery basis, capable of safe recovery and achieving maximum charging speeds, with visibility into individual battery status and input/output power.
Power HIVE’s DC input accepts compatible power sources such as vehicle batteries, fuel cells, and solar sources. Its flexible, modular architecture makes the Power HIVE the portable mission power node that keeps radios, UAS platforms, EW systems, and other tactical electronic equipment mission-capable.
Forward operations
At a CP, TOC or FOB, the Power HIVE can power connected radios, computers, and other electronic equipment, while simultaneously replenishing its attached BB-2590 batteries from an external AC/DC source.
Battery replenishment happens within the same system that distributes power to the equipment, but mission loads take priority. If the power source drops, the Power HIVE transitions to battery power to keep the supported equipment operating.
Iris Technology’s Power HIVE also includes a visual display so users can monitor the load on each battery. Users can replace individual batteries as needed, while the remaining batteries or external power source carry the supported load.
Vehicle-supported operations
In a vehicle-supported setup, Power HIVE can draw from a compatible vehicle power connection while managing its BB-2590 bank. When vehicle power is disconnected, the batteries take over. This delivers a tactical power architecture that transitions seamlessly between vehicle-supported and battery-powered operation without interrupting the supported equipment.
For radio applications, Power HIVE pairs with Merlin Handheld+ to supply an AN/PRC-163 through the radio adapter. Merlin Handheld+ draws from the connected external source to offset radio battery drain and uses surplus power to recharge the attached battery.
UAS and C-UAS ground support
For UAS and counter-UAS applications, potential loads include compatible ground-control equipment, sensors, networking and processing hardware. Power HIVE can provide a managed power supply for those ground systems.
The application starts with the equipment’s voltage, sustained and peak power requirements, and interfaces. Those requirements determine which loads Power HIVE supports through its bank of BB-2590s when external auxiliary power is unavailable. Combined with its hot-swap 2590 battery replacement capability, Power HIVE provides an uninterruptible power supply for mission-critical UAS and C-UAS capabilities at the tactical edge.
Additionally, Power HIVE includes two ruggedized USB-C EPRconnections rated up to 240 W each, within the system’s shared output budget. Along with CAN bus connectivity and power telemetry, Power HIVE delivers the tactical power architecture that keeps UAS and C-UAS platforms up and running in the field.
The Iris Technology team will be at AUSA to discuss Power HIVE applications and configurations. Contact Iris Technology to arrange a meeting or discuss your operational needs.
Power HIVE specifications and configuration inquiries
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