Researchers from the US Navy and the private sector have teamed up to design a new mobile photovoltaic system for charging batteries and supplying supplemental electricity. The system is meant to help the Marine Corp reduce fuel consumption.
Photovoltaic systems generate power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity. They are part of the host of efforts by the military to use renewable energy sources, including new energy systems that use solar and wind power, which we've discussed before.
The Naval Research Laboratory has developed a photovoltaic prototype for the Marine Corps. The system is fitted to a standard USMC-issue backpack and includes a 10.5-inch x 15.5-inch solar panel that can generate more than 11W under 1-sun air mass of 1.5 illumination. (Source: Naval Research Lab)
Scientists at the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Electronics Science and Technology Division are collaborating with MicroLinnk Devices, Design Intelligence Inc., and the USMC Expeditionary Energy Office to develop a solar power prototype that can recharge standard-issue lithium-ion batteries in the field.
The Defense Department says the system contains an array of single-junction solar cells with a power conditioning circuit, which maximizes array power production and can charge a military-issue, high-capacity, rechargeable lithium-ion battery (BB-2590). The system is designed to fit into a standard-issue backpack and includes a 10.5-inch x 15.5-inch solar panel that can generate 11W under 1-sun air mass of 1.5 illumination. The arrays take advantage of new technology that allows for a light-to-electricity conversion efficiency rate as high as 30 percent. The goal is not only to reduce energy consumption by 50 percent per Marine by using alternative sources of power, but also to lower the weight of batteries they carry by 200 pounds.
"One of the most significant challenges currently facing the Marine Corps is the need to supply sufficient electricity to individual Marines in forward operating bases," Robert Walters, head of the NRL Solid State Devices Branch, said in a press release. "Mobile photovoltaics are a technology that can address these needs by leveraging emerging, flexible, high-efficiency photovoltaic technology."
As we've reported before, the NRL is exploring other innovative uses for voltaics, including the development of solar cells that can operate electronic sensors under water at depths of up to 9m (about 30 feet). The cells are based on gallium indium phosphide, a material that performs better in low-light conditions than materials used in above-ground solar panels.
Sorry for the delay in responding. It has taken me a while to locate the company. The company I was contracting to at the time was Falcon Systems, but, that company is no longer in business. The owner has started a new company called 1100Energy. The product you are looking for is SBP-1100e Smart Battery Power system. There web site is 1100energy.com.
Yes, Chuck, I think this power source also beats the boot apparatus that generates electricity. That ultimately becomes a drag on walking. The solar collector may be the answer. So what to the soldiers do? Wear it on their back, or spread it out during lunch?
It wouldn't make any worthwhile water with that amount of power. Instead a manual pump unit would be used or just disinfecting filters/straws that gravity feed are more likely.
Even for electronics they better be eff, low drain as 55wthrs/day isn't much.
As I said last time a small 2lb wind or stream/river generator would make far more and for many more hrs/day. They could be the same unit with different rotors as we in the 1970's made to power our sailboat autopilots, etc.
Nothing new here and available for campers, etc at well stocked outdoor sports stores or online.
200lbs of batteries? Right!! That is far worse than the 30lb claim in another recent article here. Just not true for a standard soldier outfiting.
Nor would this unit replace that much battery. You can get 1kwhr in just 22lbs or less with lithium. even less if they didn't have to be rechargable. This unit would take 20 days to make that much power.
Great development. In addition to using electricity to operate electronic devices, I could see a soldier also using this to generate electrcity for a portable water purifier, which could further extend a soldier's range and duration.
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