Coastal and riverine hydrodynamic energy harvesters with autonomous deployment

XAgiltron, Inc., The Boeing Company, and Raytheon Company propose novel hydrodynamic flow energy harvesting systems with autonomous deployment in coastal and riverine environments, based upon our extensive R & D experience with fluid dynamics, electromagnetic generators, power management, and field deployment. The hydrodynamic energy harvester system will have a 1.4m height and 0.6 by 0.6m footprint, weigh less than 30kg (66 lbs), with a capability of generating more than 90W at a water velocity of 1m/s, and applicable to costal and riverine environments over most commonly available range of flow velocities. The system can be handled by one person and there is no need to adjust for water direction to harvest energy. After a simple throw overboard without adjusting for angle, the system will autonomously descend and anchor itself to the waterbed. Depending on the available water resource, the harvester will operate in standby or power-generating modes, and it can provide power when requested by an external enabling signal. In Phase II, the numerical analysis, design, prototype fabrication, water flume testing, and open-water testing will be performed for prototypes of autonomously deployable hydrodynamic energy harvester. Higher-volume productions are expected in Phase III for delivery and meet the underwater sensors and autonomous systems power needs of the Navy and other DoD agencies.