Self Powered, Submarine Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (SEPIRB) Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Topic No.: N101-049 Topic Title: Self Powered, Submarine Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (SEPIRB) Proposal No.: N101-049-0619 Firm: SA Photonics 130 Knowles Drive Suite A Los Gatos, California 95032 Contact: Mark Carlson Phone: (415) 971-2027 Web Site: www.saphotonics.com Abstract: Naval submarines depend on reliable methods of communicating status to Fleet Command. In the event of a disaster, it is imperative to have a backup method to transmit a distress signal. SEPIRBs (Submarine Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) provide this function. Once released these beacons float to the ocean surface and transmit status and position to the COSPAS/SARSAT satellite system, which then passes the information to search and rescue teams. Because lives and assets are at stake, it is imperative that SEPIRBs function reliably. Before being fielded, beacons must meet strict feature and performance requirements. Fielded units must also undergo regular testing of both the electronics and the batteries. In order to increase reliability and shelf life and to reduce maintenance requirements, SA Photonics has developed a self-powered SEPIRB that does not use traditional batteries. Our SEPIRB uses a combination of an energy harvesting system (to generate energy from wave motion) and a high tech. quick charge battery alternative (to store energy). Unique power sources (with a longer shelf life than traditional batteries) have been added to provide fast start-up and minimal delay to first location fix and first transmission of a distress signal to the COSPAS-SARSAT system. Benefits: The benefit of the SA Photonics SSEPIRB is the unique combination of energy harvesting and energy storage systems that increase reliability and shelf life and reduce maintenance. Our self-powered SEPIRB has a shelf life of more than 10 years and an energy harvesting system that can efficiently generate power from the surrounding environment for more than the minimum 48 hours. Redundant linear generators are used to generate energy from wave motion, and instead of using traditional rechargeable batteries which may limit the lifespan and shelf-life of a SEPIRB, energy for the SA Photonics system is stored in high tech. quick charge subsystems which have almost unlimited charge/discharge cycles with no degradation of performance. High reliability power sources supplement the energy charging system to provide a fast first charge of the system and to minimize time to first position fix and the first distress signal transmission. Return