WASP (Wave Action Sonobouy Power) provides a low complexity power generator for A size sonobuoys, allowing them to be deployed without maintenance for up to 6 months, and providing an average of 5 W electrical power. The un-deployed power generation system is designed to withstand storage periods up to six years, as well as the impacts associated with aerial deployment. The WASP generator will use the natural swells and waves of the ocean coupled with a sea anchor to provide mechanical forces on the energy conversion device, this periodic energy will then be harvested and stored in a small battery/capacitor bank to smooth the energy delivery as well as handle brief power transients.
Benefit: Provide sonobuoys with continuous onboard generated power, allowing longer deployment times than battery powered devices. The simple solid state generator will be robust and highly packable, keeping storage volume and weight minimal.
Keywords: Sonobuoy, Sonobuoy, Sonar, Wave, buoy, Generator, sea anchor, EAP
