Compact and Efficient Energy Harvesting and Storage Devices for Ordnance Fuses

Ordnances rely on energy dense batteries to satisfy the energy requirements of key components like fuses. However, as the ordnances become more advanced, the electronic requirements grow. The low power density combined with limited shelf life and a lack of energy harvesting capabilities makes the batteries inadequate for advanced ordnances. Moreover, the battery supply-chain is sensitive to the availability of rare earth metals. In order to address these issues, the US Army is seeking technologies that lower the reliance on batteries for advanced munitions. In response to this SBIR solicitation, Analytical Scientific Products LLC is proposing the development, demonstration, and commercialization of an all-inclusive, energy efficient, compact, and lightweight device that harnesses energy from local environment surrounding the ordnance item, stores the harnessed energy, and supplies it to activate high power density systems like fuses. In addition, our device is tailored to the ordnance applications and is ruggedized to protect it from elements like rain, snow, and dust. In Phase I of this project, we propose to examine the technical feasibility of our concept through a combination of engineering and design analyses and small scale tests. The deliverables of Phase I include the prototype design, the final report, and recommendations for Phase II. In Phase II, we propose to build prototype devices, evaluate their performance over a broad range of environmental and operating conditions, perform DOD certification tests to qualify the device for ordnance applications, and deliver prototype devices to the Army for additional testing and evaluation. Phase III consists of third party and field testing and commercialization.