Unmanned Aerial System with Infinite Energy Scavenging

The objective of this Navy Phase II STTR program is to design, develop and manufacture energy scavenging modules for “small unit power” architecture. The energy scavenging modules (ESMs) developed in this program will be able to capture the magnetic fields surrounding electrical power lines and electrical equipment and convert their energy into electricity. The ESMs will be designed to have the ability to trickle-charge the batteries of electrically-powered drones. The primary goal of the Phase II program is to demonstrate the performance of the ESMs on generic unclassified UAV platforms in collaboration with ONR and with three major U.S. aerospace and defense companies. All three companies have indicated the willingness to be involved in this program, as evidenced in attached letters of support, and a desire to transition developed technology to their own applications for the DoD.   The objective of the Phase II Base program is to develop ESM specifications for the recharging of batteries identified during the Phase I Option. Further, the design of graded magnetostrictive composites will be conducted to identify optimal material dimensions and fabrication approaches. Phase II tasks will include developing the ESM mechanical and electronic designs through systematic finite element modeling and analytical modeling, analyzing the mechanical components required to meet the combined weight and power generation performance criteria, designing and fabricating electronic printed circuit boards for the efficient charging of the drone batteries, procuring and purchasing components for the packaging of the scavenger systems, integration of the systems with drone platforms, the assembly and testing of ESMs, and demonstrations of ESM performance in the laboratory and in the field with local organizations, major aerospace and defense contractors, and other ONR-specified groups.  The objectives of the Phase II Option program are to improve the energy scavenging modules to increase the power produced and to demonstrate integration and field performance on additional DoD platforms.  This would be completed in cooperation with ONR-directed groups.