Irvine Sensors Corp. announced that it is developing a proprietary micro-electromechanical system ("MEMS") device usable for portable power generating units that could replace batteries. Dubbed the Microcombuster™ power supply, the heart of the system under development is a miniature internal combustion device that burns lighter fluid or other common combustibles and is reusable. The Microcombuster is projected to have significantly greater energy density than Lithium-Ion batteries in a comparable size and form factor.
The Irvine Sensors development program is focused on potential military applications and is supported by various government agencies. If development milestones are successfully achieved, Irvine Sensors expects to have pre-production prototypes of the Microcombuster suitable for military applications before the end of 2009. Deployment for military uses is expected to result in economics suitable for widespread commercial application.
John Carson, Irvine Sensors’ CEO stated, "Throw-away batteries are a major source of environmental waste and current reusable ones are inefficient. The Microcombuster addresses both of those concerns and puts us on the threshold of some major market opportunities."
Irvine Sensors Corp. is a vision systems company engaged in the development and sale of miniaturized infrared and electro-optical cameras, image processors and stacked chip assemblies, the manufacture and sale of optical systems and equipment for military applications through its Optex subsidiary and research and development related to high density electronics, miniaturized sensors, optical interconnection technology, high speed network security, image processing and low-power analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits for diverse systems applications.
