Redeployable Solar Combined Heat and Power (REPLENISh) System

The cost of logistics fuels, including transportation and distribution, is significant not only in terms of dollars but also increased risk exposure for soldiers. Concentrated solar thermal (CST) systems are an attractive renewable energy solution due to their high net average efficiencies of solar-to-electric conversion, and have the added benefit of being able to provide heat loads such as hot water or space heating that can push overall system efficiencies into the 75 to 80% range. It is also possible to store thermal energy to provide continuous power during cloud transients and/or to hybridize for 24/7 JP-8 fueled operationa unique attribute to CST systems. Infinia Technology Corporation (ITC), with support from Ingenium Technologies (Ingenium), proposes to fabricate a CST Redeployable Solar Combined Heat and Power System Utilizing Concentrating Solar Power coupled to Free Piston Stirling Engines (REPLENISh). ITC will develop a highly flexible, redeployable 6 kW solar power system with two modified PowerDish units and CHP capability integrated into an ISO/CONEX container with an envelope of 8 ft x 8 ft x 20 ft. This technology will enable a FOB to utilize renewable energy sources, thereby reducing fossil fuel usage, maintenance costs and the need for logistics fuel re-supply.