Body heat
Thermoelectric harvesting converts the temperature difference between the body and the environment into electrical power.
The project
Harnessing Adaptive Renewables: Versatile Energy Supply Technology
About HARVEST
The project aims to revolutionise military personnel power management by developing a lightweight, wearable energy system with reduced weight and increased operational duration.
The proposed energy system includes power generation from heat, operator motion and solar radiation. The system's weight is foreseen to be significantly reduced while its operational duration is increased.
Further, the system will include electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and nanodrone support for increased situational awareness.
Why it matters
HARVEST addresses pressing challenges by integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance soldier autonomy and reduce logistical burdens.
- Less battery weight carried by the soldier
- Longer missions without resupply
- Reduced logistical footprint in the field
Technologies
Where the energy comes from
Operator motion
Energy is recovered from the natural movement of the soldier during walking, running and everyday tasks.
Solar radiation
Lightweight, flexible photovoltaics integrated into the soldier's equipment supply power in daylight operations.
EMI shielding
Electromagnetic interference shielding protects the wearable electronics and reduces the soldier's electromagnetic signature.
Nanodrone support
The energy system can power nanodrones, giving the operator better situational awareness.