We got unrealistic impressions from the study of the newest energy system developed by VNII "Etalon" for the Russian army. Full impression: indeed, the 21st century. Especially after the comrade colonel-developers, making sure that we really understand what is at stake, dragged us through all their iron brainchildren.
Part of this complex has been in service with our army since 2010 under the name BK-PIL. Basic complex of a mobile testing laboratory. Behind this abbreviation lies somewhat more than a laboratory, but the comrades from Etalon have gone further. And at the exit we got what we observed and touched with our hands.
The brain of the complex is simply called: the control center of the power supply system of the field control and communication system.
Since the complex is on the way to state tests, it has no proper name. Not yet.
This is how it looks from the outside. Control center, two diesel power plants and subscribers powered by it all.
The control center is located in a conventional trailer.
This is how it looks from the inside.
On a large monitor, you can display the image from any of the cameras connected at the subscribers.
Power plants are shown on this monitor. Management is also carried out here. The video will show that in order to start the diesel engine and supply current to the network, it is enough to press a few buttons with the mouse.
The second monitor controls the power supply of subscribers and switches power flows.
These are directly the brains of the complex.
What is the "highlight" of this project? Not only that it looks modern.
The purpose of the complex is to remotely control the systems of the complex and subscribers. As well as remote control of the parameters of the power supply system.
Up to 30 objects can be under the control and management of the complex. Roughly speaking, 6 power plants and 24 consumers.
The main thing is that this center is practically invisible to the enemy. Yes, communication and control can be carried out, if necessary, via VHF communication or a telephone line. But all control functions are carried out via the power cable. According to the same, which feeds subscribers.
To be honest, we didn't understand how they implemented it. There is physics in which, alas, we are not strong. The fact is that, indeed, there were three wires from the control center: ground and two power wires. And that's all. And the system worked, so much so that during a demonstration of work, a visitor burst into our control center with a shout that "your car started up there, and there is nobody in it!" And so it was. First, KamAZ started up, then the diesel power plant started. And all this was done by one person using a computer mouse.
Since the complex does not emit anything, there is no need to explain, I think that it is too tough for the means of detection. Diesel power plants can be spaced up to a kilometer away. It's just a matter of having enough cables. And these are the switchboards.
A diesel power plant is also not an easy thing. It has been refined and improved considerably.
Outwardly, it looks like a regular truck. If you go into the working compartment, then there is also nothing special: two diesel engines from Minsk and a generator from Kursk. Sealed, I note, located instead of the winch. And the engine of the machine is additionally connected to it by a shaft.
This is done so that, if necessary, it would be possible to connect the engine of the car to (or instead of) the diesel engines in the body. Well, tightness, you know, in a military KamAZ will not be superfluous. The car overcomes a ford of 1.75 m in the same way as all other KamAZ trucks.
Diesel. The generator is under them.
For a diesel power plant, a mountain of electronics, which does not really fit in with the appearance of the power plant.
Automatic fire extinguishing system. Designed specifically for this complex. The main difference from colleagues is the threefold action. That is, it can be used three times during any period.
Fire extinguishing sensors are everywhere.
Surveillance Camera. Also in every compartment.
Connection.
Operator's workplace. And here is the innovation. From this place, if necessary, the operator can completely duplicate the work of the control center.
These two touch monitors (by the way, shock-proof, even withstand a head blow) and the station computer are capable of fully performing all the functions that computers in the control center do. That is, to take over the management of all energy flows in the event of a break or damage to the power cable during shelling, for example.
And so can each of the stations included in the complex.
In general, we are already accustomed to the fact that the basis of our armed forces is made up of shock units: tanks, artillery, aviation, missilemen. However, what we saw made us look somewhat differently at the problem of power supply to the troops. Yes, non-volatility is a cornerstone in the foundation of combat readiness and security. An individual tank or a battery of howitzers are uniquely capable of performing their tasks with minimal energy consumption.
But there are many other components in our troops that depend precisely on energy, the supply of which, as a result of military or sabotage actions, can be stopped. The value of such complexes lies precisely in the fact that not only provide consumers with energy, but maintain a balance in terms of load and consumption.
The work carried out by VNII "Etalon" has shown that in spite of everything, we can create such complexes. Necessary and useful, albeit imperceptible.
