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. The LightCell offers over 70% reduction in weight compared to traditional batteries. It also offers multi-fuel compatibility, natively 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, the solid-state power conversion process involves no moving parts, leading to minimal maintenance requirements. ThisĀmakes it well-suited for remote operations. 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 only produces a low-temperature exhaust, ideal for covertĀoperations.??????? The first phase of the proposed collaboration between Mesodyne and Aurora Flight SciencesĀfocuses on demonstrating the feasibility of using LightCell technology to extend the endurance of small unmanned aircraft systems, in particular the SKIRON-X electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) platform. The proposed work aims to answer crucial questions regarding the feasibility of using LightCell technology for sUAS endurance extension, including a trade study, the preliminary design of an external pod, and preliminary integration into the SKIRON-X platform. The outcomes will lay the foundation for a Phase II that will demonstrate enhanced endurance--significantly enhancing the capabilities of autonomous systems by providing them with efficient, quiet, reliable, and long-endurance power from various fuel sources through the innovative LightCell technology.