160 watt Stirling battery charger

The modern war fighter has an ever increasing demand for portable power devices in battlefield. A platoon of soldiers can use up to 900 AA batteries in 5 days powering their portable electronic devices. Supplying this many batteries can be a logistics nightmare. Utilizing rechargeable batteries in conjunction with a silent, efficient charging system can greatly reduce weight and cost burden. That is the idea behind the Free Piston Stirling Engine Battery Charging System. In a joint venture this system was developed by Radiance Technologies and Space Research Institute. The Free Piston Stirling Engine provides an efficient method of converting thermal energy into usable electrical energy. Stirling converters can operate from many external heat sources including hydrocarbon fuels, solar, geothermal, and nuclear heat. Free Piston Stirling engines have only two moving parts which move without friction, giving the engine extremely long life. This system is virtually silent, a great advantage to the military compared to noisy diesel gen-sets.

Hybrid Power Robot

The Radiance Technologies Hybrid UGV was developed to provide persistent patrol and monitoring capability to the Air Force Research Laboratory Automated Perimeter Security project. The vehicle gives operators the ability to conduct various unmanned missions with little risk of aural detection. The vehicle is a purpose designed hybrid UGV, unlike competitors in its size range which are typically modified passenger vehicles.While a diesel prime power unit allows JP-8 logistics fuel capability, a high capacity lightweight battery provides persistent Silent Watch capabilities. Hub motors, independent suspension, and steering at all four corners allow unprecedented maneuverability, traction, and control.