Long Endurance Compact Sonobuoy Power Source

The Navy requires a compact, maintenance free, long duration power source to fit in its “A” sized sonobuoy that meets several specific power requirements. To meet this need, we developed a proof of concept energy system in Phase I that uses nano-structured piezoelectric thin film materials in a multilayered design to convert the hydrodynamic kinetic energy of ocean wave forces to electric power. The generated power continuously recharges an onboard battery for long-term mission operations. The system is modular and easily scalable so that power cells can be added and stacked to accommodate virtually any power requirement. Three different configurations were developed in Phase I to show how the system can accommodate sonobuoy passive and active requirements.This technology is ideal for applications where power needs to be generated while moving freely in the water, without being fixed to the seabed and without drag resistance. It will reduce or eliminate the time and expense of replacing batteries at sea. In Phase II we will optimize system performance and construct two prototypes for demonstration and delivery. The prototypes will include additional piezoelectric layers to increase power and employ a less costly fabrication process using highly-automated, computer controlled nano-processing instruments.