Harnessing Adaptive Renewables: Versatile Energy Supply Technology

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The HARVEST (Harnessing Adaptive Renewables: Versatile Energy Supply Technology) project aims to revolutionize military power management by developing a lightweight, eco-designed wearable energy system. Current solutions burden soldiers with up to 12.5 kg of batteries for 72-hour missions, significantly impacting mobility and operational effectiveness. HARVEST addresses this challenge by integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance soldier autonomy, reduce logistical burdens, and strengthen the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB). Key innovations include: • Tellurium-free thermoelectric generators (TEGs), reducing reliance on scarce materials • Smart textile integration of power generation and distribution • Advanced solid-state lithium-sulphur batteries for improved safety and energy density • Versatile power generation combining TEG, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG), and photovoltaic (PV) technologies • Integrated electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding • Nanodrone power support for enhanced situational awareness The project brings together a diverse consortium: • Danish Technological Institute (Denmark): Project coordinator, printed electronics expertise • TU Delft (Netherlands): Human-centric design and renewable energy integration • Fraunhofer IFAM (Germany): Advanced energy storage systems • NFM Technology (Norway): Military garment design and smart textiles • SilMach (France): Nanodrone technology HARVEST aims to reduce power system weight by 5-29% while increasing operational duration by 24%. The project aligns with EU defence priorities, addressing the Capability Development Plan's focus on enhancing soldier systems, improving energy efficiency, and supporting strategic autonomy. The 36-month project is structured into seven work packages, progressing from requirements gathering to technology development, system design, integration, and demonstration.