A Novel Hybrid Power Generator for Harvesting Multiple Ambient Energy Sources Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Topic No.: N112-108 Topic Title: A Novel Hybrid Power Generator for Harvesting Multiple Ambient Energy Sources Proposal No.: N112-108-0079 Firm: CFD Research Corporation 215 Wynn Dr., 5th Floor Huntsville, Alabama 35805 Contact: Jianjun Wei Phone: (256) 327-0672 Web Site: www.cfdrc.com Abstract: The objective of this project is to develop and deliver an innovative power generation technology to replace the current thermal batteries used by the Fleet. We will leverage our newly discovered breakthrough in energy harvesting and deliver a hybrid power generator (HPG) that is capable of simultaneously scavenging multiple ambient energy sources, including thermal and optical radiation, vibrations etc., and converting them into usable electrical energy. Additionally, the HPG technology offers several advantages over existing methodologies of thermal, optical or mechanical energy harvesting, including: rapid power generation, rugged architecture for long-lasting, continuous energy scavenging at various environments, higher energy conversion, ease of packaging and integration with existing energy storage systems, safety and low cost. In Phase I, we will focus on analysis, design and testing components of the HPG device and experimental validation of harvesting energies from thermal/photon/vibration sources in laboratory. We will evaluate the HPG's reliability and feasibility as a power source to replace the Fleet thermal batteries. In Phase II, we will optimize the HPG device and develop approaches for device packaging and integration, evaluate energy harvesting in a representative environment, deliver a scaled prototype that is suitable for field testing, and demonstrate prototype performance against established parameters. Benefits: The major outcome of this project will be a low-cost, low weight, long-lasting and highly-efficient integrated energy harvesting device that can be directly used as a power source for replacement of thermal batteries used by the Fleet. Integrated with a storage element (charging circuit and a supercapacitor or battery), the energy scavenging system will meet a critical need in a variety of electric-initiator-based energetic devices, and many other remote systems, wireless sensor networks, which are typically limited by batteries, and their need for frequent replacement. The MEMS-based HPG device proposed here eliminates these limitations by taking advantage of naturally available energy sources. Integrating the device with an existing or customized energy storage solution allows one to provide sufficient power for continuous operation in different environmental conditions. The Phase II device will be immediately applicable to both military and civilian applications. Return