WBI Furthers Radioisotope Systems through Vital Connections to Industry
From autonomous aircraft in extreme heat to NASA’s Mars Rover, long-lasting power is necessary to fulfill the mission. While today’s Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) are sufficient for running scientific instruments, cameras, and mobility systems, they fall short for high-power applications like large drones, military vehicles, or fast-moving robots. Radioisotope Heater Units (RHUs) are used to keep critical components of autonomous vehicles or spacecraft warm, particularly in the vacuum of space or in extremely cold environments, where freezing temperatures can damage sensitive electronics. Scaling is essential to capitalizing on the power of RTG and RHU technology.
A lack of consistent, long-term power and heat supplies puts US military personnel and assets at risk. A significant portion of the Department of Defense's (DoD) budget goes toward sustaining fuel convoys in conflict zones and remote areas. Convoys that supply diesel or batteries for powering forward operating bases (FOBs), unmanned systems, and other equipment are vulnerable to attacks and add to operational costs.
To overcome these challenges, AFRL sought the experts at WBI to connect them to market intelligence and potential industry partners to further the technology’s maturation.
WBI utilized a number of approaches and capabilities to examine industries that also benefit from radioisotope systems for power generation. A market scan revealed critical uses from a variety of industries:
Space Exploration – spacecraft, rovers, & planetary landers use RTGs for energy efficiency and heating to ensure instruments and electronic systems have adequate heat sources.
Oil and Gas Industry – downhole drilling and reservoir monitoring rely on RHU heating and RTG-powered sensors.
Marine and Undersea Exploration - autonomous undersea vehicles and oceanographic sensors often rely on radioisotope heat sources to power equipment during long-term, deep-sea missions.
Medical Applications – radioisotope systems generate heat for sterilization or operation in remote or field medical environments and provide reliable energy for essential medical devices.
Environmental Monitoring: RTGs provide continuous data collection when monitoring volcanic activity or conducting seismic studies in remote locations.
WBI utilized their SCOUT Technology Database to source SBIR companies already familiar with working with the government, as well as companies in the nuclear technology space, to assess potential partners. Using criteria such as scalability, autonomous production, and international sourcing were all considered to provide AFRL with companies that would be high-prospect partners. WBI identified 14 companies within the US that are producing radioisotopes for medical use.
Through that identification process, WBI partnered with BWXT, a company specializing in nuclear technology that’s used to solve some of the world’s most important problems, and Shine Technologies, a fusion company deploying and scaling fusion technology to get a better understanding of re-processing reactor waste and a leading the way for automated production capability. Both companies were asked to analyze various radioisotopes to find a reaction that could produce the desired quantities both for a one-time test and a long-term continuous production. Rapidly partnering with BWXT and Shine Technologies resulted in a report delivered to AFRL to evaluate feasibility for several military applications.
If AFRL can successfully mature and scale RGT and RHU technology, DoD benefits include:
Operational Efficiency: Missions last longer, especially in extreme or remote environments, with reduced need for human intervention.
Cost Savings: Lower logistical costs, fewer maintenance needs, and reduced fuel consumption.
Personnel Safety: Fewer personnel exposed to danger due to unmanned, long-duration missions and reduced convoy requirements.
Mission Success: Reliable, long-lasting power reduces the risk of equipment failure during critical operations.
Reliability: Radioisotopes provide continuous heat and power for extended periods without the need for refueling.
Longevity: Systems using radioisotope heat sources can last for years or even decades, making them ideal for long-term, unmanned operations.
No Moving Parts: The systems are highly durable since they don't rely on mechanical components, reducing the risk of failure.
WBI's efforts have paved the way for the potential use of radioisotopes in military applications, offering a reliable and long-term power solution for various critical missions.
https://www.shinefusion.com/
https://www.bwxt.com/
Source: DoD Operational Energy Strategy (2016) and subsequent reports detailing alternative energy programs and their costs.
Source: Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on “Energy Use at Forward Operating Bases: Opportunities to Reduce Fuel Demand and Improve Operational Capability” (2012), which discusses the infrastructure and resupply needs for power generation in remote military bases.
Source: The DoD’s Operational Energy Strategy outlines efforts to improve energy resilience and efficiency in military operations, noting inefficiencies due to reliance on traditional power sources. This document is available on the DoD Energy website
Source: RAND report on "Powering the U.S. Military: Energy Challenges for Future National Defense" (2020).
Source: Data from the DoD's Operational Energy Strategy and various Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports, such as the GAO’s assessment of DoD’s energy use in 2018.
Source: U.S. Army Environmental Policy Institute report on “Sustain the Mission Project: Casualty Factors for Fuel and Water Resupply Convoys” (2009), detailing the risks associated with fuel convoys.