Energy Scavenging Unmanned Surface Vehicle for Long Range Surveillance
Navy STTR FY2005


Sol No.: Navy STTR FY2005
Topic No.: N05-T021
Topic Title: Energy Scavenging Unmanned Surface Vehicle for Long Range Surveillance
Proposal No.: N054-021-0358
Firm: Custom Manufacturing & Engineering, Inc.
2904 44th Avenue North
St. Petersburg, Florida 33714
Contact: Richard Sidley
Phone: (727) 547-9799
Web Site: www.custom-mfg-eng.com
Abstract: This project will develop and demonstrate energy scavenging technology to be applied in the open ocean for a low cost, Autonomous Sea Surface Vehicle (ASSV) that obtains power for propulsion, communications, navigation and sensors from the environment. By scavenging energy from the wind, solar power, wave energy or other means, and providing a storage medium such as ultra-cap storage capacitors and/or rechargeable batteries, it will be possible to incorporate this design into an ASSV with greatly extended range and endurance. Software models of these energy scavenging systems will be developed and integrated. Simulations will be run on the Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDSO) to determine the viability of the systems. This proposal specifically does not address development of an ASSV and the associated navigation and communications issues; leaving that task to be detailed in the Phase I option and implemented in Phase II. The CME Team includes Florida State University (FSU) Center for Advanced Power Systems (CAPS).
Benefits: Successful development of this energy scavenging technology will provide a ready stepping stone for incorporation into an Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) with greatly extended range and endurance and persistent, station-keeping capabilities.

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