Due: April 30, 2024
The BioLogical Undersea Energy (BLUE) program seeks to develop power supplies that capture and convert microscopic forms of marine biomass (e.g., dissolved organic matter (DOM), phytoplankton, zooplankton) and other substances (e.g., microplastics, nutrients) into electrical power. These power supplies are intended for onboard use by ocean-deployed sensor systems presently powered by batteries. They are to self-refuel and operate fully submerged and deliver battery-level power without being serviced far longer than is possible by comparably sized battery packs. BLUE power supplies will enable high capability and long endurance ocean-deployed sensor systems.