Improving current energy harvesting technology will enable the efficient capture and/or conversion of acoustic, kinetic, and thermal energy. C3 propulsion has partnered with Wake Forest University to utilize their Organic ThermoElectric (OTE) example for space applications.
The OTE example utilizes dispersions of nanowires in a polymer matrix. A large area fabric-like, heat collector (with modest efficiency) spread across an extended body heat source is able to collect as much or more power than a small highly efficient ceramic device where only limited contact is available with the body. This innovative technology can work either under typical ambient environments or under high intensity energy environments, as might be found in propulsion testing and launch facilities. Moreover, innovations in miniaturization and suitability for manufacturing of energy capture and conversion systems make this technology usable towards eventual powering of assorted sensors and IT systems on vehicles and infrastructures. High efficiency and reliability also consent its use in environments that may be remote and/or hazardous, and having low maintenance requirements.
Space Applications
The generation of electrical power from thermal sources has extremely wide space applications:
- delivery of water to the vertical test stand for thermal and noise suppression for diesel engines
- supplement batteries for instrument and life support in manned space vehicles
- supplement instrument batteries in non-manned space vehicles
- supplement instrument airplanes batteries
- supplement/eliminate batteries in experimental apparatus in R&D Centers.
Other government applications
The generation of electrical power has innumerable applications for DoD:
Army and Marine Corps
- soldier fatigues to minimize the weight of batteries
- artillery barrels to minimize the weight for electronic gun controls
- vehicles to minimize battery requirements for electronics
- missile launchers to minimize batteries for launchers and guidance and control systems
- nuclear, biological, and chemical defense systems to minimize batteries
- radar and communications to minimize
Navy
- micro and full sized submarines to minimize battery requirements
- surface ships to minimize battery and power generation requirements
- aircraft to minimize batteries for electronics and life support
- navy depots to minimize battery requirements.
Air Force
- aircraft to minimize batteries for electronics and life support
- satellites to minimize power generators.