Demonstration of an Integrated Solar-Powered Multi-Temperature Refrigerated Container System

The Army has included provisions for Preplanned Product Improvement in the Multi-Temperature Refrigerated Container System (MTRCS) Operational Requirements Document calling for innovations such as alternative energy sources. As the price of photovoltaic power decreases, new opportunities for its use develop. Maintaining refrigerated space does not take an enormous amount of power and therefore solar-powered refrigeration offers an ideal application for photovoltaics. Containers offer a significant structure and surface area on which photovoltaic arrays can be mounted. The recently completed Mainstream Phase I effort in this area has demonstrated the feasibility of this approach. The Phase I effort included a full-scale demonstration of the vapor compression refrigeration/freezer system including the unique and patented energy storage system. This Phase II effort will result in the design, fabrication and extensive testing of a complete deployable Solar-Powered Refrigerated Container unit. This Phase II includes the delivery of one unit. Mainstream has already demonstrated all the key component technologies necessary for the successful demonstration of a solar powered refrigerated container. The successful Phase I experiments as well as the results of full scale demonstrations are discussed in detail in this proposal.