Defense

Homeland security efforts and military systems need microproducts to maintain a technological advantage. Microproducts show promise for applications involving monitoring and screening at places like airports, seaports, mail-handling facilities, and others.

For the soldier, microtechnology provides devices for man-portable power and man-portable cooling. Microtechnology devices also can provide distributed power and cooling for any military vehicle, ship, or installation. Other applications include air purification, especially for toxic elements.

Light-Weight Power (pdf 171KB)
Protecting Heros (pdf 184KB)

MBI Portable Cooling System

Researchers at OSU and PNNL are working on a project to create a portable cooling system small enough for a soldier to work unhindered while wearing gear to protect against hazardous materials, particularly in hot climates. The Department of Defense is spending $7 million on the new, three-year project. But such a cooling system, likely to weigh 3 to 4 pounds and last for several hours between refueling, is expected to have commercial applications as well. The co-investigators for this project are Robert Wegeng at PNNL and Kevin Drost at OSU.