PYRO-E LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N212-102

Description

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a marine hydrokinetic (pico-MHK) generator to charge personnel battery equipment. The unmet need is to reduce the logistic burden of bulk fuel movement for the U.S. Marine Corps, which accounts for more than half of all casualties resulted in recent conflicts. The solution is  Electrically Engaged UnduLation (EEL), a flexible submersible that generates power from shallow rivers and streams.  In a flow, the slender EEL undulates in a manner that mimics eel swimming. By reverse-engineering biomechanics, anguilliform motion can be converted into electrical charge. Conceived from First Principles, power is provisioned via the piezoelectric effect – a material-led phenomenon that converts applied stress into electricity. To generate substantial output. The solution is to amplify the hydrodynamic input to achieve higher power than current practice. In Phase I, the work will overcome challenges in water sealing in accelerated life testing for marine proofing. The deliverable is an ex-situ demonstration in flume testing. Beyond the feasibility study, the Phase II deliverables include an in-situ demonstration of power, efficiency, portability, and adaptability to remote, austere, and covered locations.