Self Powered, Submarine Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (SEPIRB)

Naval submarines depend on reliable methods of communicating status to Fleet Command. In the event of a disaster, it is imperative to have a backup method to transmit a distress signal. SEPIRBs (Submarine Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) provide this function. Once released these beacons float to the ocean surface and transmit status and position to the COSPAS/SARSAT satellite system, which then passes the information to search and rescue teams. Because lives and assets are at stake, it is imperative that SEPIRBs function reliably. Before being fielded, beacons must meet strict feature and performance requirements. Fielded units must also undergo regular testing of both the electronics and the batteries. In order to increase reliability and shelf life and to reduce maintenance requirements, SA Photonics has developed a self-powered SEPIRB that does not use traditional batteries. Our SEPIRB uses a combination of an energy harvesting system (to generate energy from wave motion) and a high tech. quick charge battery alternative (to store energy). Unique power sources (with a longer shelf life than traditional batteries) have been added to provide fast start-up and minimal delay to first location fix and first transmission of a distress signal to the COSPAS-SARSAT system.