POWER SCAVENGING IN A COLD, DARK STORAGE ENVIRONMENT

This research project develops engine technology capable of scavenging power from naturally occurring energy sources in order to supply power for weapon monitoring systems. The environmental energy sources targeted are: ambient temperature, barometricpressure and humidity. Most existing techniques for scavenging power are built around ideal environments. The weapon systems will most likely not have ideal environments for power scavenging yet the energy source must be more reliable than solar assufficient power must be scavenged on a, more or less, routine bases for sustained operation of the missile monitoring system. The engines being developed will be scaleable from the micro level up to very large systems. They will offer an alternative tosolar power in remote locations where replacement of batteries or refueling is not practical. There are numerous applications for this technology when successfully developed. These applications include a wide range of electronic devices from remotecontrol devices for TVs, garage openers and automobile locks to personal electronics such wrist watches and electronic pagers. Such a technology is needed for package identification and condition monitors in the transportation and shipping industry. Thebanking industry is rapidly moving toward the use of smart cards which will have embedded computers inside where maintaining internal batteries in a charged state is one of the most challenging problems facing the industry. Security access cardsimplantable medical devices are also ideal application for the proposed technology