Multi-Modal Power Generation Coating Using MEDAL Technology for Advanced Ordnance Systems

Cerebral Energy proposes to develop a novel multi-modal power generation coating that integrates three complementary energy harvesting mechanisms to eliminate battery dependence in advanced ordnance systems. Our approach leverages the revolutionary Multi-threat Engineered Diamond Armor Layer (MEDAL) technology, exclusively licensed from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, enhanced with strategic material integration and layering to enable simultaneous thermoelectric, triboelectric, and RF energy harvesting.The foundation of our approach utilizes MEDAL's exceptional thermal conductivity (1500-2000 W/mK) and tunable electrical properties to create optimized thermal gradients for power generation. Through gradient doping and strategic layer architecture, we achieve Seebeck coefficients exceeding 350 ?V/K with power factors up to 14,000 ?W/mK˛. Integration of Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs) with PDMS enhances charge generation and storage capabilities, demonstrating 15-fold voltage and 12-fold current improvements in laboratory testing.Our multi-layer architecture incorporates:Nickel-doped outer MEDAL layer for RF energy couplingHexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) isolation layers maintaining thermal conductivityGradient-doped thermoelectric MEDAL layerAdditional h-BN isolation layerGNP-enhanced triboelectric generation layerThis structure enables three simultaneous power generation mechanisms while maintaining coating integrity under extreme launch conditions. Manufacturing leverages existing Army investment in cold spray technology at Florida International University's ColRAD facility, ensuring rapid transition to production.Phase I research will focus on:Optimization of layer compositions and thicknessesValidation of power generation mechanismsCharacterization of coating performanceDevelopment of scale-up strategyCost analysis for Phase II implementationThe proposed coating system eliminates battery dependence while enabling new fuse designs through space optimization. Our approach combines proven materials and manufacturing methods to create a reliable, cost-effective solution for next-generation ordnance systems. Success in this effort will provide the Army with advanced power generation capabilities while reducing logistics burden and extending shelf life of advanced munitions.