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. Mainstream has already developed key component technologies necessary for the successful demonstration of a solar powered refrigerated container. These technologies are discussed in detail in this proposal and include a DC hermetic compressor, an advanced high-lift refrigeration cycle, rechargeable nanotube batteries, an advanced condenser design, and a lightweight backup diesel generator. Mainstream has already performed the feasibility study for this solar powered refrigerated container application. Mainstream's Phase I objective is to perform the design of a rugged, high-reliability solar-powered refrigerated container based on the requirements set out in the solicitant and discussed in this proposal.