tech talk

November 2007

Pentagon Pursuing More Advanced Solar Cells

By Robert H. Williams

The Defense Department is seeking to develop a considerably higher efficiency solar cell at no more than $1,000 per square meter — the current cost for commercially available power sources. To achieve that end, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is working with a team of engineers from the Dupont-University of Delaware’s “very high efficiency solar consortium.”

The improved solar cell “uses a novel lateral optical concentrating system that splits solar light into three different energy bins of high, medium and low and directs them into cells of various light sensitive materials to cover the solar spectrum,” says a spokesman.

From a military perspective, the aim is to acquire lighter, more enduring power sources for troops in the field.

High Definition Imaging in the Dark is a Snap

A recently perfected night vision module that is designed for a family of Sony high definition cameras is offering precise recognition and identification of intruders and objects in low light conditions.

The AstroScope adapters, which are made by Electrophysics of Fairfield, N.J., not only provide details and sharp full-frame images, but also eliminate vignetting — a blurring or fading of image quality around the periphery of the picture.

New Nickel Hydride Charger

Nexergy of Columbus, Ohio, is producing a new NC series of chargers that are tailored for nickel metal hydride batteries. The NC charger shares a common platform with the company’s lithium-based battery chemistries, says a spokesman. It comes in 12 and 24 Watt versions and can handle up to six nickel metal hydride cells in series.

The charger is abetted by proprietary software that “aligns charge current and voltage to match the specific charging needs of the battery pack,” he adds.

Sunlight is No Obstacle for This Notebook

A semi-rugged, next generation notebook computer for workers on the go and soldiers in tactical situations is now on the shelf. The GoBook VR-2 comes equipped with a 13.3 inch display that provides users with a touch screen that can be viewed in varied environments, including direct sunlight.

The key is Dyna Vue. A spokesman from General Dynamics Itronix of Spokane Valley, Wash., says the technology mutes “internal reflections that wash out touch screen displays.” It also improves the sunlight contrast ratio, which he says permits better “view and fine details definition.”

Moving Targets No Problem with Advanced Sight

Sight Mark of Mansfield, Texas, has developed a holographic reflex laser — called the Dual Shot — that promises kills on quick moving objects down range. The combination sight boasts low power consumption and is lightweight, waterproof and shock resistant, says a company spokesman.

According to Sight Mark, the targeting systems offer a wide field of view and solid depth perception.

Sensors Would Warn of Aircraft Fatigue

Networks of embedded sensors aboard commercial aircraft are expected to soon provide warnings of structural flaws and other problems. These nascent systems, which are being evaluated by Sandia National Laboratories of Albuquerque, N.M., would reduce requirements for constant airframe inspections and, thus, save money.

Dennis Roach, who is leading a Sandia team that is evaluating such systems, believes that structural health monitoring could ultimately save about 25 percent of a commercial fleet’s operating expenses.

Ground crews would acquire sensor information by plugging a laptop into a central port on an aircraft. Ultimately, Roach believes that “smart structures” that are equipped with multiple sensors could “self diagnose” and alert maintenance personnel when problems are encountered.

Simulation Software Helps Paint Humvees

Aerobotix Inc. of Huntsville, Ala., has selected Dassault Systemes DELMIA UltraPaint to provide robotic paint path programming for Army humvee vehicle coatings.

The physics-based, scalable robotic simulation for modeling and offline programming of multi-device robotic paint cells has an array of painting simulation tools. Spray gun and paint characteristics can be entered and results can be graphically portrayed in color. Optimum paint thickness can be determined by using the included film build gage.

Portable Barricades Sent to Iraq

Security forces in Iraq are receiving three MP5000 portable vehicle barricades. The systems, which are made by Delta Scientific of Palmdale, Calif., can stop a 7.5 ton vehicle traveling at 30 miles per hour in its tracks, according to the company.

The hydraulic barricade can be towed in place by a relatively light vehicle. Once situated, it unpacks itself within 15 minutes and is powered by external or battery power. A direct current pump raises and lowers the barrier.

Push button controls deploy and retrieve the barricade, which does not require excavation or subsurface prep work.

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