A Novel Hybrid Power Generator for Harvesting Multiple Ambient Energy Sources

The objective of this project is to develop and deliver an innovative power generation technology to replace the current thermal batteries used by the Fleet. We will leverage our newly discovered breakthrough in energy harvesting and deliver a hybrid power generator (HPG) that is capable of simultaneously scavenging multiple ambient energy sources, including thermal and optical radiation, vibrations etc., and converting them into usable electrical energy. Additionally, the HPG technology offers several advantages over existing methodologies of thermal, optical or mechanical energy harvesting, including: rapid power generation, rugged architecture for long-lasting, continuous energy scavenging at various environments, higher energy conversion, ease of packaging and integration with existing energy storage systems, safety and low cost. In Phase I, we will focus on analysis, design and testing components of the HPG device and experimental validation of harvesting energies from thermal/photon/vibration sources in laboratory. We will evaluate the HPG"s reliability and feasibility as a power source to replace the Fleet thermal batteries. In Phase II, we will optimize the HPG device and develop approaches for device packaging and integration, evaluate energy harvesting in a representative environment, deliver a scaled prototype that is suitable for field testing, and demonstrate prototype performance against established parameters.