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.: N112-128-0069 Firm: Infoscitex Corporation 303 Bear Hill Road Waltham, Massachusetts 02451-1016 Contact: Jeremiah Slade Phone: (781) 890-1338 Web Site: www.infoscitex.com Abstract: The capabilities and mission profile of unmanned watercraft are often significantly limited by the availability of onboard energy. The issue of energy limitation becomes more severe for autonomous systems that are deployed far from shore for extended periods of time due to the difficulties associated with refueling or recharging their power supplies under these conditions. Infoscitex Corporation (IST), SRI International (SRI), and Pennsylvania State University's Applied Research Lab (ARL) are proposing to address this problem by developing a modular hydrokinetic energy harvesting solution that is easy to transport, handle, and install. This solution will be accomplished by utilizing a relatively new energy generation technology based on electroactive polymers (EAPs), also sometimes known as electroactive polymer artificial muscle (EPAM). These materials provide the ability to produce cost-effective wave or vibration harvesting systems that are simple, efficient, rugged, and reliable, easy to install and highly adaptable and scalable. Benefits: As a wave power generation technology, systems based on EAPs have the following inherent advantages compared with systems based on other energy transducer technologies used for power generation such as electromagnetics or piezoelectrics:  Good impedance match with hydrodynamic force (large strains and low stiffness) allowing for high conversion efficiency over a wide range of frequencies  Robust mechanism with few moving parts enabled by the high energy density of EAPs allowing for direct drive designs.  Nonmetallic materials that resist corrosion of the marine environment and are inherently shock-resistant  Inherently low cost materials (i.e., no rare earth materials or exotic ceramics needed) A technology such as this would significantly enhance the capabilities of autonomous systems by allowing them to conduct longer missions, employ additional sensors, and operate remotely for longer periods of time. While this need is particularly urgent for the military there is a growing need in the civilian sector for similar capabilities. Near-term applications will likely include environmental baselining, monitoring, and inspection in response to incremental or episodic events. Communities, ports, universities, and resource management entities are likely to be the first customers. Return