Alta Offers Solar Tech as Key to Connecting People Globally

At AUVSI Exponential 2016, the largest trade show for unmanned systems (http://www.xponential.org/auvsi2016/Public/Enter.aspx), Alta Devices (altadevices.com) will describe how the use of solar technology is the key to realizing the vision of connecting people around the world.

The vision being promoted by several high profile UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) efforts is to connect the roughly 3 billion people on the planet today who still do not have access to the internet.

ALTA DEVICES TO DESCRIBE HOW USE OF SOLAR TECHNOLOGY IS KEY TO REALIZE THE VISION OF CONNECTING PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD

 

What:  

The vision being promoted by several high profile UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) efforts is to connect the roughly 3 billion people on the planet today who still do not have access to the internet.  This can only happen if worldwide communications can be delivered reliably and cost-effectively. Essential to these visions is solar power that enables UAV’s to stay aloft day and night.  Alta Devices shares this vision and will discuss how the most efficient solar technology will make this a reality.

 

When and Where:         

AUVSI Xponential 2016

May 2-5, 2016

Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA

 

Panel Session:  Connecting the World: Challenges and Opportunities for Long Endurance Platforms

Moderator:  Rich Kapusta, Chief Marketing Officer

Room: 288-290

Wednesday, May 04, 2016: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

 

Presentation:  Solar: Building a Better UAV

Presenter:  Robert Parenti, Sr. Product Manager

Room: Innovation Hub– Booth 2717

Wednesday, May 04, 2016: 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM

 

Why:    

Alta Devices designs and manufactures the most efficient, thinnest, and flexible solar technology in the world and is revolutionizing the endurance of unmanned systems. The company recently announced that it had achieved another world record of 31.6% solar efficiency with its newest cells.  As an example of the implications of this breakthrough, on a typical HALE (high altitude long endurance) UAV aircraft, Alta’s solar material requires less than half of the surface area and weighs one-fourth as much while providing the same amount of power as competing thin film technologies. These savings open UAV designers to a variety of alternative design options. Additional batteries can be installed on the vehicle, providing longer operational life spans and flight times than originally considered. Alternatively, payload functionality can be tailored for higher speed or longer distance wireless communications. Either of these design optimizations translate into a considerable increase in economic value to the aircraft operator.

 

These AUVSI sessions will examine recent developments in solar PV technology allowing mass deployment in UAV applications. Use cases of solar powered UAVs in military and civil applications will be presented, along with the potential for positive impact on industry image, utility and overall safety of these systems.