The partnership between Saab and WhisperPower to provide smart energy for Saab’s field operations began when WhisperPower sales manager Johannes Doornbosch met Teake van der Meer, support manager for Saab Netherlands.
At the time Saab was still using old-fashioned diesel generators to power various computer systems for moveable objects deployed for training soldiers in the field. The introduction to WhisperPower started a whole new chapter.
“Teake visited us with a significant delegation to see the system solutions we had supplied to companies such as Shell/Nam, InfraSolar and many others. It soon became clear that we could also resolve their ‘problem’, namely cutting back on the operational costs of their test facilities – containerised workspaces to train defence specialists.
Johannes Doornbosch, International Sales Manager WhisperPower
“The gap between this meeting and the first commission was short as we delivered the initial pilot system for use in the Netherlands and Germany within four months. Proof of concept came soon after: the system worked perfectly with fewer emissions and delivered savings that meant the investment would pay for itself in just two to three years. In mid-2022 Saab asked us to make a proposal for a larger number of units, including for the training of American and Dutch armed forces. In June this year I travelled to Sweden with a colleague to go over the details and this resulted in a commission to deliver 30 systems in the period 2022 – 2024.”
Perfect fit between application and power system
The Saab Combat Training Centre (CTC) monitors every step and action in military training sessions and is at the heart of the training solutions. The CTCs are available as a mobile container, which can be deployed at the point of need, or as a fixed solution placed at a stationary location. It supports up to 10,000 participants and has an area coverage of up to 40×40 km. The uniqueness of this power supply solution is the customisation WhisperPower achieved in close operation with Saab engineers:
The WhisperPower solution is based on a Lithium battery pack at the centre of the CTC system. The W-SQ Pro 15 generator only starts when necessary to recharge the batteries again. Two Supreme Pro battery chargers of 100 amp each ensure proper and safe charging of the Lithium batteries.
24 V battery power is utilised by the WhisperPower AC PowerCube 4 KVA Inverter which provides 230 V / 50 Hz single phase, or dual phase 2 x 120 V / 60 Hz for the systems that are also used by US defence. The operators constantly monitor all CTCs operational in the field via the WhisperCare monitoring system.
In addition to a radically improved ecological footprint, the solution offers cost savings in fuel and fuel supply plus a reduction of engine running time by more than 70%. In terms of operational cost saving, the return on investment is calculated to be less than three years.
About Saab
Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 18,000 staff, the company constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Headquartered in Sweden, the company has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of various nations.
Source of photo’s: Saab, business unit Training & Simulation, Sweden