Integrating Multiple Energy Harvesting Systems for Department of Defense Applications

As modern warfare has grown increasingly reliant on mission-critical electronics over the past two decades, the United States warfighter has had to carry an increasingly heavy burden of equipment, armor, and batteries. In this study, we review the properties and potential efficacy of energy harvesting technologies across several modalities: solar, radio frequency/electromagnetic, thermal, and piezo/tribo-electric. Finally, we discuss how a hybrid energy harvesting system could combine multiple modalities and extend the life of Soldier-worn batteries by 40 to 60 percent over the course of a 72-hour patrol. Keywordsenergy harvesting, battery charging, power integration, hybrid system