Optimized Off-the-shelf Self-Powered Portable Trap for Haematophagous Arthropods

A self-powered mosquito trap for capturing haematophagous arthropods with an enhanced capturing efficiency has designed, fabricated using off-the shelf components and has shown very good performance in Phase I. In Phase II it will be upgraded, tested and six prototype units will be delivered to the U.S. Army for field testing. The self-powered feature has been realized by using a fossil fuel (Diesel/JP-8/Propane or other fuel) driven burner coupled with a thermoelectric generator. Electric power that is generated by the thermoelectric section drives the mosquito trap components, such as the fan, light source and circuit board. The burner exhaust supplies CO2, H2O vapor and heat to the trap entrance in order to attract mosquitoes and other blood sucking arthropods such as sandflies and ticks. This proposed effort will make extensive use of the work performed in Phase I, with Hi-Z's expertise in the field of thermoelectric power supplies development and the John W. Hock Company in the development of insect sampling devices and techniques. The dual-use power supply can be employed in both military and civilian markets as a battery charger or direct power source for some electronic devices, such as radios, cell phones, lighting, etc.