Research Summaries

Back Maximizing Power Generation from Photovoltaic Modules in Tactical Applications

Fiscal Year 2017
Division Research & Sponsored Programs
Department Naval Research Program
Investigator(s) Michael, Sherif N.
Sponsor NPS Naval Research Program (Navy)
Summary Research objective is to design, model, build and test an electronic device that will increase the power production capability of any photovoltaic modules in tactical environments from solar blankets to solar powered UAVs.
We propose to design, model, build and test a maximum power point tracker MPPT, coupled with DC-DC converter as an integrated device that will operate over a subsection of solar cells within a module in order to improve power output in tactical environments. This research will increase the total energy production of a module, especially in tactical scenarios where partial shading, dirty conditions and shape restrictions severely impact energy production.
Navy and Marine Corps require a solution for tactical environments. Current solar power solutions (solar blankets, tents, etc.) either do not incorporate MPPT at all, or do not employ it with sufficient granularity to achieve best results where mismatch due to shading and other factors is severe.
An MPPT/Converter device, designed to retrofit into existing tactical solar power systems could benefit missions that require portable electronics to be charged in the field while keeping a low profile in partially shaded environments. The solution may increase operator dwell time and reduce combat loads. The device could also be used to increase the dwell time for unmanned aerial vehicles, UAV that require PV cells mounted on curved surfaces.
Keywords
Publications Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal
Data Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal