This research project focused on determining optimal power generation and distribution within a mobile human-scale power system. The intended application was for a human scale exoskeleton, in particular underwater applications. However, the tools and techniques are applicable for a broad range of mobile systems that carry a finite energy supply and need to optimize both the system performance and system efficiency. A wide survey of appropriate energy storage and power generation technologies was performed. Subsequently, a decision making algorithm was developed that specifically determined the best way to convert stored energy to available power coupled with the best way to distribute this power to multiple needs within the system. A dual stage decision making strategy was adopted whereby fast inner stage would determine both the needed power and the optimal control of the particular power application within the system. A slower second stage would accept the power demands from the first stage and then determine the optimal way generate that power from the stored energy source. The strategy was tested in simulation and experimentally. It was determined that a significant energy savings can be accomplished over conventional power management schemes while still achieving a particular mission’s performance requirements.

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