The Need

Chemical batteries provide high power output but are constrained by finite stored energy and the need for periodic recharging. This is often impossible in remote, sealed, or radiation‑intensive environments such as space systems, subsea platforms, and isolated terrestrial installations. Radiovoltaic power sources, while long‑lived, suffer from low power density. There remains a critical unmet need for energy systems that combine the longevity of radiovoltaics with the high operational power of chemical batteries, without physical electrical interconnects or maintenance requirements.

The Technology

OSU engineers have developed a wireless method for continuously recharging chemical batteries using radiovoltaic energy. Instead of directly harvesting electrical current, the system uses an electric field generated by radiovoltaic excitation to induce charging reactions within a nearby battery. By coupling radiovoltaic materials with an appropriately matched battery chemistry, the approach enables sustained battery recharging while the battery remains in operation, overcoming traditional power and lifetime limitations of existing radiovoltaic systems.

Commercial Applications

• Spacecraft, satellites, and deep‑space probes requiring long‑duration power
• Subsea or underground sensor networks with no access to recharging infrastructure
• Remote defense, security, or environmental monitoring systems
• Specialized industrial power systems operating in radiation‑rich environments

Benefits/Advantages

• Combines long operational lifetime with high power output
• Enables continuous, maintenance‑free battery recharging
• Eliminates wired electrical connections between power source and battery
• Well‑suited for harsh, inaccessible, and radiation‑intensive environments