Logistical impact study of photovoltaic power converter technology to the United States Army and the United States Marine Corps

Abstract

The purpose of this MBA Project was to analyze the logistical and fiscal impact of replacing selected disposable batteries with rechargeable batteries and photovoltaic power converter chargers within Army and Marine Corps infantry battalions. This project was conducted with the sponsorship and assistance XVIII Airborne Corps, Marine Corps Systems Command, Fleet Numerical, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. The goal of this project was to identify how this new technology could be incorporated into current combat gear and what impact such an incorporation of the technology would have in decreasing the infantryman's combat load, reducing expenditures on batteries, and relieving the overall logistical burden for the subject services.