Alternative Energy Harvesting for Small Watercraft Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Topic No.: N112-128 Topic Title: Alternative Energy Harvesting for Small Watercraft Proposal No.: N112-128-0387 Firm: SA Photonics, LLC 130 Knowles Drive Suite A Los Gatos, California 95032 Contact: Mark Carlson Phone: (415) 971-2027 Web Site: www.saphotonics.com Abstract: Autonomous systems greatly help the military by providing a presence in a hostile or remote area, while not exposing military personnel to dangerous conditions. The Navy currently has remote surface ships, however, the ability to store only limited amounts of fuel, limits the vehicles operation. SA Photonics proposes their WaveCell system which will efficiently harvest energy from waves impacting the surface ship. Our WaveCell linear generator coupled with advance battery technologies will provide power both while the boat is in motion and during loitering times as well. Benefits: The benefit of the SA Photonics WaveCell is that it utilizes the wave motion adjacent to the surface ship to provide enough power for the boats operating systems. Our WaveCell design is highly scalable, comprised of multiple linear generators to convert wave motion to over 700W of continuous power to meet all vehicle power requirements. Our system will efficienctly produce power both during boat propulsion and during loitering due to the low friction oscillating design which is matched to the surrounding wave amplitude and frequencies. The design of our battery system will allow for continuous power operation even during times of low ambient wave energy. A significant design benefit of the WaveCell is it will not increase the drag of the surface ship as it moves through the water thereby minimizing the impact of this system to standard ship operations. Return