Novel Efficient Power Generation for Extended Range UAVs

Tactical counter-UAS (c-UAS) systems have emerged to protect the warfighter from that which is otherwise undetectable, increasing safety and mission efficacy in the field. These devices can be carried and deployed on foot by no more than two soldiers such that aerial protection can be obtained anywhere and at any time. Power sources remain as the primary inhibitor, often severely limiting the tactical functions of the system as a whole: manufacturers across the board have expressed issues with the size and weight of current battery packs, solar panels, and generators, as well as the reliability of small internal combustion engine generators. Furthermore, the inability to continuously provide power for an entire mission, often days or weeks at a time, reduces battery and solar panel effectiveness in practice even further. Overall, no power system exists that can provide mobile and reliable power consistently for counter-UAS applications. Mesodyne’s Light-Cell technology would maximize tactical counter-UAS systems’ potential by providing silent power in any environment and at any moment.   Mesodyne’s ultra-high energy density, efficient, silent, reliable Light-Cell power generators increase energy sustainment 10X over batteries alone. The Light-Cell efficiently converts any fuel to electricity with no moving parts, achieving energy densities of 1000-2000 Wh/kg. The solid state design means significantly improved reliability over internal combustion engines and quiet operation. Multi-fuel operation means ease of refueling over fuel cells and minimal overhead decreasing cost of operation. Simply put, Mesodyne enables the rapid deployment of power for a variety of scale and scope infrastructure.   In this AFWERX Phase II proposal we plan to adapt our Light-Cell for c-UAS applications requiring 200-300 W of electricity in a man-portable form factor.  This multi-purpose generator can provide on the go power generation by recharging batteries in a multitude of scenarios in addition to powering c-UAS systems including: on the warfighter, at forward deployed communications outposts, in autonomous drone charging stations, in remote unattended ground sensors, and more. Mesodyne would expect to be at TRL 6 by the end of the Phase II effort with this particular application. The final deliverable will be a modular unit capable of demonstration outside of the laboratory environment.