IDTechEx Explores Thermoelectric Perpetual Submarine

In February 2021, The US agency DARPA awarded contracts to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation and Martin Defense Group (formerly Navatek) to build demonstration versions of the new Manta Ray unmanned underwater vehicle. They also awarded a separate contract to Metron for Manta Ray's most important feature: an energy-harvesting system to power it indefinitely, allowing the robot submarine to carry out missions lasting months or years without returning to base or refueling. Thermal rise-and-glide methods exist but going in a straight line thermoelectrically is also on the table. Appropriate thermoelectric modules were recently demonstrated by researchers from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. These use the temperature difference between different parts of the vehicle to produce a small but significant electric current – enough, the researchers say, to power an unmanned underwater vehicle. Boeing, which is building the Navy's Orca unmanned submarine, is active in this area.

In February 2021, The US agency DARPA awarded contracts to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation and Martin Defense Group (formerly Navatek) to build demonstration versions of the new Manta Ray unmanned underwater vehicle. They also awarded a separate contract to Metron for Manta Ray's most important feature: an energy-harvesting system to power it indefinitely, allowing the robot submarine to carry out missions lasting months or years without returning to base or refueling. Thermal rise-and-glide methods exist but going in a straight line thermoelectrically is also on the table. Appropriate thermoelectric modules were recently demonstrated by researchers from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. These use the temperature difference between different parts of the vehicle to produce a small but significant electric current – enough, the researchers say, to power an unmanned underwater vehicle. Boeing, which is building the Navy's Orca unmanned submarine, is active in this area.

Another option is underwater kites exploiting different currents and various depths, but multiple solutions, including thermoelectric, are on the cards meaning no one winner is a possible result. Either way, it should transform the field of underwater warfare. A large, manned, nuclear-powered submarine may not be needed to maintain a permanent presence in disputed waters. Think shoals of lurking Manta Rays.

"Manta Ray performers have each taken unique approaches to solving the wide range of challenges related to UUV endurance," program manager Commander Kyle Woerner said in the statement that details the latest contracts. "To me, this is a clear sign we are tackling a complex problem without a clear 'one size fits all' solution."

For the big picture of the burgeoning energy harvesting business, see the IDTechEx report, "Energy Harvesting Microwatt to Gigawatt: Opportunities 2020-2040". For the full portfolio of Energy Harvesting & Off Grid research available from IDTechEx, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/Research/OffGrid.

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