LightCell Power Generation for Long-Endurance, High-Reliability Autonomous Systems

Power presents a persistent bottleneck in the advancement of autonomous vehicles, particularly small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). The need for dependable, long-endurance power sources continues to grow, while conventional battery technologies struggle to keep pace. Internal combustion engines (ICE), though powerful, are plagued by issues such as noise, unreliability, and frequent maintenance. MesodyneÆs LightCell is a solid-state power generator that leverages thermophotovoltaics. It employs combustion to heat a photonic crystal emitter, generating thermal radiation that powers photovoltaic cells. This innovative approach is designed for spectral compatibility between the emitter and the PV cells, ensuring highly efficient conversion of fuel into electricity with no moving parts. Ā Key features of the LightCell technology include its lightweight nature, offering over 70% reduction in weight compared to traditional batteries. It also offers multi-fuel compatibility, seamlessly converting various fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel/JP-8, without the need for additional reformers or catalysts, thereby simplifying logistics and reducing operational costs in comparison to fuel cells. Furthermore, its reliability is a notable advantage, as the solid-state power conversion process involves no moving parts, leading to minimal maintenance requirements. This feature makes it well-suited for remote operations, even in extreme temperatures. The technology is also scalable and modular, allowing single LightCells to be combined into higher-power modules and disassembled as needed, offering flexibility for various applications. Additionally, the LightCell operates quietly and produces low-temperature exhaust, ensuring stealthy operations. Ā In this Direct to Phase II, Mesodyne is partnering with Raytheon to integrate the LightCell into a custom electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) UAS. To accomplish this, a combination of photovoltaic cell engineering and mechanical engineering efforts are used to enhance the LightCellÆs power output while minimizing the weight through--achieving the power density required for flight. We then manufacture multiple optimized LightCells to achieve the power required. The program concludes by integrating the LightCells and UAS and conducting a series of test flights. This work will pave the way for a new class of silent, electric, long endurance sUAS that can be powered by any fuel including JP-8.