Seebeck-Utilizing Charge-Collecting Undergarment Battery Unattended Source

To address the Army’s need for a new body-worn, energy-harvesting thermoelectric power source, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Seebeck-Utilizing Charge-Collecting Undergarment Battery Unattended Source (SUCCUBUS). This proposed device is based on a new thermal garment design that utilizes a new type of thermal electric material for high-efficiency thermal-to-electrical energy conversion, as well as POC’s power management system to control the power system including battery recharging, power supply to the electrical systems, and system monitoring. The innovation in new materials embedded within a spandex undergarment will enable the device to convert thermal energy at a rate of approximately 3 mW/cm^2/K^2, (or 12 mW/cm^2 at 2 K difference). This device offers a large amount of power to recharge Land Warrior battery systems, and power electronics directly, while cooling the soldier, and directly addresses the Army’s requirements. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of SUCCUBUS by simulation and lab verification, with some off-the-shelf hardware, of the applicability of the technology to field use. In Phase II, POC plans to optimize and develop the components from Phase I, and deliver three prototype systems for testing.