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Army tents plug into solar
power
By Megan
Fromm
THE WASHINGTON
TIMES
New technology aims to make military missions safer and more
energy-efficient.
The U.S. Army's Natick
Soldier Systems Center is working in conjunction with Iowa Thin Film
Technologies to develop tents and other fabrics made with flexible
solar panels that can provide up to one kilowatt of energy, enough
power to run devices such as laptops and lights.
Such
capabilities would ultimately make travel safer for soldiers in
countries during wartime. Extra battery packs carried by troops are
sometimes left behind, providing unnecessary hints to enemy forces.
The new technology utilizes
photovoltaics — semiconductors that convert light into electricity —
applied to thin flexible plastics.
"It's
renewable power," said Lynne Samuelson, a research chemist at the
center. "You can continue to harvest light and generate power and
use it as you need it."
Photovoltaics
are often more functional than conventional forms of energy because
they are lightweight and quiet, both necessities for soldiers in the
field, Ms. Samuelson said. The amount of energy capable of being
generated varies directly with the surface area of the photovoltaic,
ranging from smaller roll-out mats to full-scale field tents, both
manufactured by Iowa Thin Film.
The
company is ready to sell its Army field tents, which use PowerFilm
Integrated Solar Technology and come in three designs and sizes.
Mike Coon, chief operating officer for
Iowa Thin Film, said the goal from the beginning has been to make
this type of equipment affordable for military and civilians alike.
The tents are available for commercial purchase through Iowa Thin
Film.
"The technology is complete," Mr.
Coon said. "We can make this tent, no problem. We are accepting
orders now, and the ongoing work will be the continued refinement of
the application uses within the Army. This is not in a lab. It's
here."
Until recently, this type of
expansive solar technology was "a well-kept secret," Mr. Coon said.
Now, the path has been paved for other practical uses, including
integration into clothing and uniforms.
"It offers some definite potential in
clothing applications that range from military uniforms to police
uniforms to emergency aid uniforms to high-end sportswear and
athletic wear," he said, adding that mock-ups of these types of
uniforms have already been made.
The
Navy also uses solar technology and shares a budding interest in
photovoltaics to promote more light-weight, safer equipment.
The Navy has the largest
photovoltaic-diesel-hybrid power system at its air station in China
Lake, Calif., as well as the largest photovoltaic grid support
system in Palm Springs, Calif.
"Deployed
solar technology saves the Department of Defense millions of dollars
per year in reduced utility costs alone," Navy spokesman Lt. Mike
Kafka said.
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