Office of Naval Research to develop solar energy resources

BEIJING, Dec. 5, according to the China National Defense Science and Technology Information Network reports, November 29, the Office of Naval Research (ONR) officials announced that the Office of Naval Research is working to develop solar energy resources, in order to get rid of the help of the Marine Corps Combat Outpost dependence of huge diesel generator fuel consumption.

Renewable sustained the expedition energy (RSEP) project aims to create a transportable, renewable hybrid systems, this system can provide complete combat missions for the Marines for 15 consecutive days of electricity supply, so as to get rid of the escort fleet of refueling dependence. In reality, the refueling the escort formation often become the target of hostile forces to attack. The ultimate goal of the Marines in 2025 to achieve a fuel for motor vehicle use only.

RESP project by Raytheon, Battelle Institute (Battelle) and Anke (Emcore) coalition industrial team jointly responsible for the industrial team has R & D to develop the concept of a hybrid system, the system can take advantage of the sun, heat and a fuel to generate electricity. One program is the Stirling engine with solar cell collectors combine to form a similar the Disc satellite antenna device to absorb solar energy to generate electricity; Another solution is a strong function of solar cells to collect solar energy, combined with efficient solid oxide The use of fuel cells.

These systems must be intelligent enough to independently converting solar energy when the night or in thick clouds and weather. These systems also require small size, compact and good, This can be installed in a small trailer, pulled by the Hummer, so that the system can be deployed to front-line positions. Existing solar panel collectors generally larger, and can not be deployed anywhere on the battlefield.

The researchers hope mature system can be reduced 40% of the fuel demand of expeditionary energy system, and can provide a continuous output of 3 kilowatts km. In addition, the maturity of the system should be more muted than the existing system, but will also have the ability to use of biofuels.

RSEP project is a 5-year naval capacity project in the future. Naval Research Board will annually evaluate the industrial team, closely tracking or a variety of industrial products, or to continue to develop other forms of renewable energy.