Rugged, collapsible solar concentration devices to support tactical alternative energy production

Alanthus and its partner Brayton Energy, LLC proposes to develop the engineering design for a rugged, collapsible solar concentrator to support tactical alternative energy production. This integrated system will use a number of Alanthus and Brayton innovations and will have the following characteristics: Use of a lightweight, low cost, mobile, easily fabricated Cassegrain collection unit to focus sunlight to the energy conversion system. The range of options for energy conversion systems is greatly expanded because the focal point of such a system can be placed on the ground or on a platform instead of elevated over the reflecting surface. Use of a hybrid gas turbine system that will operate both on solar energy and conventional fossil fuel. Continuity of operations is extremely important in a tactical environment. Enabling use of fossil fuels at night and during intermittent sunshine will enable this continuity. Use of a battery subsystem to enable continuous energy production during intermittent sunlight or sort term night time operations. With the exception of the hybrid gas turbine which must be designed for this application, we believe this system can be fabricated from commercial, off-the-shelf parts.