Portable, lightweight, amalgamated thin-film photovoltaic/battery combination

The Phase II program will complete the development and demonstration of a portable, lightweight, self-contained solar/battery power system that can be carried by individual soldiers to power their electronics gear (radio, NOD, etc). Phase I demonstrated the system feasibility by combining Front Edge Technology (FET) high-specific-energy thin-film batteries and Spectrolab high-efficiency (31%) solar cells, in a subscale breadboard system which can recharge batteries in as little as 14% sunlight. A full-size system design (finalized during the Phase I Option period) will have the following characteristics: • 3.1-pound weight • 200Wh of energy storage at 12/24V (same as BA5590) • Fully rechargeable in 6 hours in 65% sunlight • Approximately 0.2m2 in total area (~ 16” x 18”) when laid out on ground • Foldable, and storable in pocket of fatigue pants The system will also have a “fuel gage” to determine the remaining battery capacity, and a “fast-charge” (<1 hour) capability from an external power source (e.g., field generator). During Phase II, FET will scale-up its existing thin-film battery cells, and fabricate packaged 4.2V 2Wh cells, self-contained 12V 25Wh solar/battery modules, and a complete 24V 200Wh system. FET will also conduct design studies of other configuration/application options.