Modeling and assessment of alternative cooling methods of the Combat Operation Center

Abstract

The Marine Corps Combat Operations Center provides formidable situational awareness and command and control capability using a robust mobile data center. This capability incurs a cost in fuel and restricted mobility due to the size and weight of the cooling and electrical generation. Enhancing the energy efficiency through alternative cooling methods will enhance the Marine Corps tactical flexibility on the battlefield. In both Iraq and Afghanistan, the Improvised Explosive Device threat is of grave concern. Reducing the frequency of fuel convoys may reduce the associated casualties that result. In this research, a model was created to predict potential reduction in fuel consumption by using alternative methods of cooling. The model considers all the sources of heat load introduced into the Combat Operations Center environment and estimates the amount of electricity required to maintain a set point temperature. An alternative method of cooling is introduced to determine whether it has the potential to reduce fuel consumption. A substantive increase in efficiency indicates further research has merit. The model offers an analytical method for exploring alternative cooling methods that may be used either individually or in concert to reduce the fuel required by the Combat Operations Center.