The Photovolatic Power Converter: A Technology Readiness Assessment

Abstract

With the DoD moving towards evolutionary acquisition and incremental development of weapons systems and soldier applications, it is important that the maturity of new technologies be properly assessed so that the probability of success, once inserted into a program, can be maximized. The purpose of this report is to examine the Photovoltaic Power Converter (PVPC) technology, developed by Atira Technologies, as a potential Department of Defense Acquisition program/project. Specifically, the report focuses on a Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA). The report validates the PVPC technology and estimates, with 95% confidence, that the PVPC enables a solar power system to convert between 30.39% and 48.60% more solar energy into power than an identical system without the PVPC. The report also identifies and documents the required supporting information to justify a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 for the PVPC. Finally, the report recommends inserting the PVPC into the DoD Acquisition System as a commercial item via horizontal technology insertion or the Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration Program.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA435434

Entities

People

  • Lewis H. Phillips
  • Steven R. Ansley Jr.

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Business Administration
  • Circuit Boards
  • Department Of Defense
  • Electric Power
  • Energy
  • Governments
  • Information Systems
  • Military Acquisition
  • National Security
  • Performance Tests
  • Power Converters
  • Solar Cells
  • Solar Chargers
  • Solar Energy
  • Solar Panels
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Equipment

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.
  • Solar Photovoltaics and Thermoelectric Devices.