Complicated and expensive electric generating and energy-using equipment must operate over long periods of time with minimum operator attention. The need for higher efficiency for operations in hostile environments may be complicating factors. The result is that "single point" measurements which require operator interpretation and synthesis are often inadequate sources of failure trend maintenance data. The sensor, data gathering, and computer technologies all have made major advances during the past decade. There have also been advances in the art of providing "intelligence" from the proper collective interpretation of data from different sources. The next appropriate step is to combine these advances into a new system of equipment condition "intelligence gathering." Effective use of statistical analyses, together with available sensor data, can provide extremely high confidence levels concerning the condition of critical operating equipment. This will allow the equipment to run for longer periods of time, be maintained more effectively, and substantially improve operational readiness. Availability of this type of data will also provide the opportunity to better define mission profiles, and to assist in validating equipment sizing selections
Keywords: SATELLITE, THERMAL, PHOTOVOLTAIC, FLEXIBLE, BATTERY, ENERGY DENSITY, ELECTRIC VEHICLE, THIN FILM
