Silent Power for Critical Missions

Silent, solid-state thermoelectric power generation. Reduces fuel logistics burden on existing thermal sources, with a low acoustic signature in the conversion module. An emerging target market, building on MicroPower's lab-bench work with the US Army Research Laboratory.

The Technology Principle

How military thermoelectric power works

Heat Source Agnostic

MicroPower thermoelectric generators function wherever heat exists:

  • Cooking fires/stoves: Harness thermal energy from food preparation
  • Vehicle exhaust: Capture power from engine waste heat
  • Field generators: Double-duty power from generator heat dissipation
  • Any thermal process: As long as temperature differentials exist

Military Advantage: Power generation independent of fuel supply logistics. Personnel use the same fuel for cooking and heating; thermoelectric systems harvest electricity from that existing heat.

Strategic Defence Technology Partnerships

Collaboration with leading defence technology specialists

QinetiQ Partnership

QinetiQ, the UK's leading defence and security technology company, is engaged in strategic collaboration with MicroPower Global:

  • Focus: Military-grade thermoelectric systems
  • Status: Under NDA (classified applications)
  • Scope: Advanced thermal management for defence equipment
  • Implication: Large-scale defence adoption pathway

Demcon Partnership

Demcon, a leading defence technology firm, collaborates on classified military applications:

  • Focus: Integration with military platforms
  • Status: Strategic partnership under NDA
  • Scope: Defence-specific thermoelectric solutions
  • Implication: Government contract development pathway

Forward Operating Base Applications

Maximizing self-sufficiency in remote installations

The Problem

Forward operating bases depend on diesel generators for power. These generators continuously produce waste heat–currently vented to atmosphere. A typical 30kW generator might waste 40-50kW of thermal energy daily.

The MicroPower Solution

Thermoelectric generator arrays wrapped around diesel generator exhaust stacks silently recover electricity:

  • Heat source: Generator exhaust (400-500°C)
  • Modelled recovery: 3-5 additional kW per 30kW generator, subject to integration design
  • Fuel: No additional fuel consumed; recovers existing exhaust waste
  • Acoustic signature: Negligible additional noise from the solid-state conversion module
  • Maintenance: Materially lower than rotating-machine recovery systems; the conversion module itself has no moving parts

Operational Impact

For a base running 24/7 on two 30kW generators:

  • Base generation capacity: 60kW
  • MicroPower recovery: +6-10kW from waste heat
  • Annual energy value: ~$50,000-75,000
  • Operational benefit: Increased power availability without fuel logistics increase

Soldier-Portable Power Generation

Enabling tactical communications and equipment in field conditions

Equipment Applications

Small thermoelectric units can charge critical equipment from any available heat:

  • Communications: Radio, satellite phone, relay equipment
  • Navigation: GPS units, mapping devices
  • Observation: Night vision, thermal imaging equipment
  • Medical: Field medical devices requiring electrical power

Field Power Sources

Any thermal environment becomes a power source:

  • Cooking stove: 50-150W continuous power generation while preparing meals
  • Vehicle exhaust: Charging ports on military vehicles while engines run
  • Fire/campfire: Portable unit over flame for emergency charging
  • Industrial/urban: Capturing thermal signatures in built environments

Tactical Advantage

Reduced external fuel logistics: Personnel cook using standard field rations or whatever fuel is available. Thermoelectric devices harvest electricity from that heat. No additional supply line for the recovered power itself, and no additional weight beyond the thermoelectric generator.

Operational independence: Small teams in remote locations maintain communications and equipment operation independent of battery resupply.

Aerospace and advanced turbine applications

Aerospace & Advanced Applications

Research and validation from leading institutions

Boeing Collaboration

Boeing engaged in collaborative research on thermoelectric waste heat recovery for aerospace applications, published in a 2009 white paper examining aircraft thermal management.

Why Defence Adopts MicroPower

Silent Operation

Solid-state thermoelectric generation produces zero noise. Critical advantage in tactical operations where sound discipline is essential.

Zero Logistics

Power from existing heat sources. No additional fuel supply required. Reduces forward supply line burden.

Rugged Reliability

Solid-state design with no moving parts in the conversion module. Operates in extreme conditions (heat, cold, vibration, shock) with materially lower maintenance than rotating-machine alternatives.

Explore Other Applications

Humanitarian & Off-Grid

Clean power from cooking heat for developing regions.

AI Datacentre & BTM Power

Behind-the-meter turbine and engine exhaust recovery for hyperscaler campuses – the funded home for the gas turbine story.

Industrial Waste Heat Recovery

Recovering the world's largest untapped energy source.