Soldier Solar Panels For Australian Army

 

Image copyright ISAF Headquarters Public Affairs Office – Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

16/08/2011 by Armed Forces International's Defence Correspondent

ANU, the Australian National University, has unveiled battlefield solar panels for troops to wear on the front line.

The lightweight soldier solar cells' development was prompted by the increasing amount of electrical technologies soldiers carry into the 21st century battlefield. These technologies have a number of functions, including boosting tactical awareness during close combat sorties and, ultimately, survivability too.

"Currently soldiers are dependent on electrical power provided by a conventional battery to power these devices", project development manager, Doctor Igor Skryabin, explained in an ANU press release issued mid-August. "Each battery has a different endurance and reliability level and each rechargeable type requires its own kit, compounding the bulk and weight that needs to be carried.

He continued: "While battery technology research has delivered considerable improvements, the goal of a small, lightweight power storage system, capable of sustaining all electronic equipment for the whole time a soldier is in the field, is not yet available."

Soldier Solar Panels

Lightweight and thin, ANU's soldier solar panels are also robust, durable and energy-efficient and they've been developed through a multi billion dollar CTD (Capability and Technology Demonstrator) contract placed with the university by the Australian Defence Department.

"The development of these wearable solar cells will now allow soldiers to generate power in the field and reduce the need for batteries for their electronic devices", Skryabin added.

"They will also establish a power supply that keeps electronic devices operational throughout the duration of missions."

Australian Army Solar Cells

Each Australian Army solar cell is approximately as thin as a single human hair and converts solar energy directly into electricity. It can operate within a 105 degree temperature range - between minus 40 degrees and 65 degrees - and it can be attached to various parts of a soldier's uniform, including the chest and/or back areas and onto helmets.

Equally, it can be integrated into tent lining or even directly onto weapons.

This is just one of a number of renewable technology initiatives that are gradually reshaping power use within militaries the world-over. The USAF has a well-established aircraft biofuel programme up and running while, in the UK, the MoD is also looking at how renewable energy can provide effective troop power.