Tri-Service

Energy Of The Future: Powering Across The Battlefield

Attempts to develop the battlefield power source of the future have opened the doors to harvesting kinetic energy.

Now, CEDREC claim to have developed technology to 'lighten the load for the soldier'.

Cassandra Reilly and Yakina Howarth say their tech will eliminate the need for the additional battery packs already carried soldiers, in an ultimate step towards energy self-sufficiency in the battlefield.

"Our aim is for whatever the soldier is charging that is on him will be charging by what he's carrying on him at the same time."

The Energy Harvesting Assault Pack (EHAP) system converts kinetic energy from a soldier’s walking and running gait into useable electrical energy.

The suspension system consists of a lightweight soldier-worn frame and a spring-suspended frame, attached to the assault pack. It minimises accelerative forces felt on the soldier during walking, effectively lightening the load.

Soldiers create kinetic energy when they perform common movement activities such as walking.

The electricity-generating assault pack is intended to provide on-the-move recharging to extend soldiers' communication capabilities and maximise mission length.