| ALLCOMP, INC.
209 Puente Ave. City of Industry, CA 91746 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(626) 369-1273
Dr. Gene Tu OSD 08-EP1 Awarded: 05/21/08 |
| Title: | Efficient Thermal Energy Storage (TES) for Mega-Joule Class Weapon Systems |
| Abstract: | High capacity Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems that can rapidly store peak waste heat using phase change material (PCM) and then dissipate it gradually during normal operation are the most ideal and the most compact Thermal Management (TM) systems possible for advanced weapon systems such as high power laser diode arrays and microwaves. These weapon systems are typically powered cyclically and intermittently with peak requirement potentially reaching up to 1000 kJ/s or 1000 kW per system and with a substantially lower average thermal dissipation requirement during normal operation. Various PCM materials offer high latent heat of fusion and the highest possible thermal storage density. Furthermore, their near isothermal characteristics during the phase-change and re-constitution processes are perfectly compatible with advanced micro-electronic systems that need to operate within a very narrow temperature range in order to achieve the optimal performance. Three different heat thermal energy storage (TES) approaches are proposed for evaluation. The feasibility will be evaluated and critical technical issues will be identified and evaluated in Phase I. A successful demonstration of the proposed technology will lead to full scale development and demonstration for a real system in Phase II. |
| TDA RESEARCH, INC.
12345 W. 52nd Ave. Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(303) 940-2323
Dr. Robert Copeland OSD 08-EP1 Awarded: 05/22/08 |
| Title: | High-capacity, High-rate Thermal Storage System |
| Abstract: | When the average thermal dissipation requirement is substantially lower than the peak requirement, a thermal storage system is an excellent candidate. The system takes up the brief, high-powered pulse and dissipates it slowly. This strategy shrinks the system and reduces the weight of the system. Depending on the specific application, cycle times may be relatively short, with rates of 1,000 kJ/sec (one megawatt) or greater. An important application is the thermal management of Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) systems. Different phase change materials (PCMs) are needed for different applications. In this project we will develop a high-capacity, high-rate TES that can deliver 1,000 kJ/kg at 20C (laser applications) to 70C (microwave applications) The proposed system can handle a high heat rates (1,000 kJ/sec) and high heat fluxes (e.g., >100 watts/cm2). Several candidate storage materials have been identified that can approach or exceed the goal of 1,000 kJ/kg storage capacity. In Phase I, TDA will perform a system study to select the most promising materials. Laboratory testing will be done to proof the concept and a preliminary design will be prepared. Weight, volume, and power requirements will be determined, and a prototype TES system will be built in Phase II. |
| APPLIED SCIENCES, INC.
141 W. Xenia Ave.PO Box 579 Cedarville, OH 45314 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(937) 766-2020
Mr. David J. Burton OSD 08-EP2 Awarded: 05/28/08 |
| Title: | Silicon-Modified Nanofibers for Advanced Lithium Ion Anodes |
| Abstract: | Advanced rechargeable battery technology providing higher energy densities and higher specific energies is being sought by the OSD to extend the range and capability of small electronic systems. In this proposal, an anode material is proposed based on carbon nanofiber alloyed with silicon. While many researchers have tested carbon-silicon alloys created through various schemes, these materials suffer always from rapid capacity fade after an initial high capacity. The cause for this rapid diminution in capacity is a large change in volume of the silicon that occurs during charging and discharging, leading to fracture of the material and loss of electrical contact. To overcome this barrier, Applied Sciences has employed a patented process for depositing amorphous silicon onto a carbon nanofiber substrate. Anode materials produced from this combination and tested in a half-cell configuration at General Motors Research Center strongly support achieving anode capacities in excess of 2000 mAh/g with high cycle numbers and charge rates. |
| MATERIALS & ELECTROCHEMICAL RESEARCH (MER) CORP.
7960 S. Kolb Rd. Tucson, AZ 85706 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(520) 574-1980
Dr. Sohrab Hossain OSD 08-EP2 Awarded: 05/30/08 |
| Title: | Advanced High Energy Density Lithium-ion Batteries |
| Abstract: | The present lithium-ion battery technology needs further improvement with respect to specific energy (Wh/kg) and energy density (Wh/l) for military, aerospace, and transportation applications. The improvement in specific energy and energy density can be achieved by choosing (i) an electrochemical couple having high specific capacity of individual electrode materials and/or (ii) an electrochemical couple having high open-circuit voltage. A new battery chemistry consisting of a novel high practical capacity anode, high capacity, high voltage cathode, and a new electrolyte that can stand up to 5 V vs Li is proposed for the development of high energy density lithium-ion batteries. In Phase I, the proposed materials will be produced, characterized, and qualified for the development of lithium-ion cells. Several prototype lithium-ion cells will be fabricated with the proposed materials anode and their performance with respect to specific energy and long-term cycling will be evaluated. |
| NEI CORP.
400 E Apgar Drive Somerset, NJ 08873 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(732) 868-3141
Dr. Amit Singhal OSD 08-EP2 Awarded: 05/28/08 |
| Title: | High voltage and high energy density Li-ion batteries |
| Abstract: | Safe, non-toxic, high voltage and high energy density Li-ion batteries, along with good power density are needed in a variety of military, space and commercial applications. The specific power and energy density of Li-ion batteries can be enhanced by utilizing cathode materials that have higher cycling voltage and specific capacity. We have identified a cathode material composition that can deliver exceptionally high capacity and which avoids using the expensive and toxic cobalt as a constituent in the active material. The innovation in composition is combined with ultrafine particle size to maximize intrinsic and extrinsic Li-ion conductivity of the material, and stabilize the structure against the degradation by the electrolyte at high charge voltages. Working in collaboration with a University partner, first principles computational methods will be used as a pre-screening and explanatory tool for experimentation. Based on the computational results, cathode materials with specific compositions and ultrafine particle size will be produced. Electrochemical properties of cathode materials will be tested in both Li and Li-ion configurations, in partnership with a Li-ion battery manufacturer. In Phase II, prototype batteries will be fabricated and tested for performance, along with optimization and scaling of the synthesis process for producing cathode particles. |
| YARDNEY TECHNICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
82 Mechanic Street Pawcatuck, CT 06379 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(860) 599-1100
Dr. Joseph Gnanaraj OSD 08-EP2 Awarded: 05/21/08 |
| Title: | Advanced Materials and Chemistries for Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices |
| Abstract: | The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibility of developing advanced battery chemistries that provide batteries operate safely at specific energies higher than 100 Wh/kg, energy densities over 600 Wh/l. The olivine-type phosphate cathodes are attractive. The stable nature of the olivine-type structure having a PO43− polyanion with a strong P-O covalent bond provides not only excellent cycle-life but also a safe system. Further, olivines are resistant to overcharge and thermal degradation, and are inherently safer than oxides that may release oxygen at inopportune times. The robust covalent bonding of PO43−, however, reduces the compounds' ionic conductivities, and olivines require additional treatment with conductive aids to perform at reasonable capacities. Yardney Technical Products proposes to develop a high voltage (5V) olivine-type phosphate cathode, and a suitable electrolyte system for high energy Li-ion battery. |
| CREARE, INC.
P.O. Box 71 Hanover, NH 03755 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(603) 643-3800
Weibo B. Chen OSD 08-EP3 Awarded: 05/22/08 |
| Title: | Highly Efficient, Lightweight, High Temperature Blower for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell |
| Abstract: | Long-endurance unmanned vehicle (UV) and munition systems require lightweight, compact, and efficient power systems. Advanced fuel cells are promising technologies that can be used for both primary propulsion and auxiliary power units for these applications. A lightweight, high temperature, efficient cathode blower is a critical component to enable a compact SOFC power unit to achieve the high specific power and low specific fuel consumption requirements for long-endurance UVs. We propose to develop a reliable, lightweight, highly efficient blower that can meet the OSD's challenging performance specifications. The miniature, efficient blower will reduce the take-off weight of UVs and increase their endurance. The innovative blower will be built using Creare's proven high-speed micro turbomachinery technologies. In Phase I we will prove the feasibility of our approach by modeling performance of the blower and performing proof-of-concept tests. In Phase II we will build and test the blowers and deliver prototype systems for testing in relevant environments. |
| PHOENIX ANALYSIS & DESIGN TECHNOLOGIES
7755 S. Research Dr.ASU Research Park, Suite # 110 Tempe, AZ 85284 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(480) 813-4884
Mr. Rob Rowan OSD 08-EP3 Awarded: 05/21/08 |
| Title: | High-Temperature Blower Development for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) Applications |
| Abstract: | This proposal outlines the design of a very low weight blower system that will provide cathode air for a small ( ~ 2 kW) Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) power system. This design (the HTCAB) will derive from a proven blower system that PADT has already developed (LCAB). The improved HTCAB blower system will offer the following advances: 50% more flow, a 10% improvement in efficiency, an 85% increase in power density, a 15% reduction in volume, integration of a sensorless controller, and an increase in allowable inlet temperature to 100C. The aerodynamic improvments be will be built and tested in phase I, but the rest of the changes will be designed and reviewed but not built until phase II. The proposed benefits will be achieved by increasing the width of the aerodynamic flowpath, eliminating the aft bearing carrier, eliminating a number of heat sinks, changing to low density plastic (Ultem)for some parts, changeing to magnesium for the motor housing, and providing space for a sensorless controller. |
| R&D DYNAMICS CORP.
15 Barber Pond Road Bloomfield, CT 06002 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(860) 726-1204
Dr. Giri Agrawal OSD 08-EP3 Awarded: 05/22/08 |
| Title: | Foil Bearing Supported Centrifugal Cathode Air Blower |
| Abstract: | The proposed technology will reduce the size and weight of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) power systems for unmanned air vehicle and munition (UAV) applications thus making future UAV's lighter and more fuel efficient. In addition, the proposed technology will further enable the Air Force's move toward more electric aircraft. The technological advance will have a spillover benefit to land and sea based vehicles utilizing SOFC power systems. A high technology cathode air blower will be designed and built in Phase I. The cathode air blower is able to operate at very high speeds > 100,000 rpm because the rotating assembley will be supported on foil air bearings. This high speed operation allows for a very small, light weight and efficient air blower which enables more power dense SOFC power systems. |
| M-DOT AEROSPACE
3418 South 48th Street, Suite 3 Phoenix, AZ 85040 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(480) 752-1911
Mr. Hugh Spilsbury OSD 08-UM2 Awarded: 06/10/08 |
| Title: | Microsupercharger and/or Turbocharger for Small, Heavy Fuel Engines |
| Abstract: | Proposed is the preliminary design of an extremely small turbocharger sized for an 8 to 12 hp class engine. The entire unit will weigh roughly 240 grams. Design will incorporate pre-existing compressor and turbine designs for which hardware currently exists for Phase II test. Phase I will include design, fab and test of a 450,000 rpm, high durability, low-cost bearing system. Risk is medium to low since shaft speed, compressor performance and turbine performance have been demonstrated in test. A preliminary turbocharger design for PHase II fabrication and test will be generated. M-DOT will collaborate with UAV and engine makers in the design of the Phase II turbocharging system such that Phase II will culminate in the fabrication and test of a turbocharger and wastgate on an engine and potentially in a vehicle. |
| MAINSTREAM ENGINEERING CORP.
200 Yellow PlacePines Industrial Center Rockledge, FL 32955 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(321) 631-3550
Mr. Daniel Mason OSD 08-UM2 Awarded: 06/10/08 |
| Title: | Development of a Supercharger for Small, Heavy Fuel Engines |
| Abstract: | The OSD is seeking devices to increase the intake air flow and pressure to small engines in order to increase their power density and fuel efficiency, specifically for unmanned applications. Such unmanned systems require high efficiency and highly reliable power sources operating at near continuous duty cycle. By increasing the power density of these engines, they can be used in a larger variety of applications under various operating conditions. This includes high altitude flight for aircraft systems and extreme environmental conditions for ground-based and naval surface and subsurface systems. In this proposal, Mainstream presents a Phase I program to design, fabricate, and test a supercharger suitable for use in small heavy fuel engines. Mainstream will performance-test the device on its own 4-hp engine. This accelerated development program will validate the concept experimentally in Phase I. The Phase II program can therefore focus on the integration and long-term testing on OSD's specific engine application. |
| PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC.
410 Sackett Point Road North Haven, CT 06473 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(203) 287-3700
Dr. Sharokh Etmemad OSD 08-UM3 Awarded: 06/10/08 |
| Title: | Micro-ignition Components for Heavy Fuel Engines |
| Abstract: | Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) proposes a durable miniature catalytic glow plug as an enabling component for the use of heavy fuels in small, high power density engines for unmanned applications. The use of heavy fuels in such engines will have a major impact on availability of fuel supplies for such small engines while also reducing fuel consumption through the gains in efficiency inherent to high compression engine operation. The hot, reactive catalytic surface of the catalytic glow plug will allow ignition of fuel-air mixtures at lower surface temperatures and compression ratios than required for non-catalytic hot surface igniters, and at extended conditions. This will expand the envelope of durable ignition and operation, and will provide a range of enabling benefits for heavy fuel use, including more rapid starting and better operability, lower required compression ratio, improved ignitor life, reduced energy requirement, and overall reduction in system weight and size compared to higher voltage ignition systems. It will help enable heavy fuel use in unmanned applications, support increased fuel economy, and reduce system cost. PCI's work will build on substantial prior development of catalytic ignition systems. |
| BAKER ENGINEERING, INC.
17165 Power Dr. Nunica, MI 49448 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(616) 837-8975
Mr. Jack Jerovsek OSD 08-UM6 Awarded: 06/03/08 |
| Title: | Modeling & Simulation for Optimization of Heavy-Fuel Micro Rotary Engines |
| Abstract: | Under this Phase I SBIR, Baker Engineering will conduct research through modeling and simulation for optimization of heavy fuel micro rotary engines. Research will be conducted using the UAV Engines Ltd. (UEL) model 74-1380 as the basis. Such a rotary would be the ideal engine for military engine applications that require high power density and the capability of running on heavy fuels at low specific fuel consumption levels. Utilizing the current state of injection technology and simulation software, accurate performance models can be established. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis and zero dimensional modeling will be utilized to refine advanced fuel delivery methods, rotor geometry, and evaluate induction configurations. A fuel injection system will be designed, and turbomachinery added. The result is a plan for successful operation of a micro Rotary Engine on heavy fuel with SFC of .35 lb/hp-hr. |
| CONVERGENT SCIENCE, INC.
6405 Century Ave. Suite 102 Middleton, WI 53562 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(608) 467-5752
Dr. Peter Kelly Senecal OSD 08-UM6 Awarded: 05/28/08 |
| Title: | Modeling & Simulation for Optimization of Heavy-Fuel Micro Rotary Engines |
| Abstract: | The Department of Defense (DoD) is currently seeking strategies to provide efficient and dependable power systems for small unmanned systems. The engines must run on heavy fuel, be lightweight, produce high horsepower and have the ability to run in extreme environmental conditions. New technologies are needed to meet the DoD's requirements for small, heavy-fuel engines, including injection systems, ignition components and air induction systems such as superchargers and turbochargers. Development of these new technologies can be greatly facilitated with the use of computational fluid dynamics and combustion modeling, however most codes are not able to adequately handle rotary engine concepts. With the development proposed in this program, the CONVERGE code, written by Convergent Science Inc., will be able to efficiently and accurately simulate rotary engines and also unconventional engine concepts such as the Nutating engine. Proposed objectives include adding the ability to handle sealing of adjacent surfaces, adding an arbitrary equation of motion for moving boundaries, and adding liquid properties for JP5 and/or JP8 fuel. These capabilities, coupled with the automatic and rapid grid generation of CONVERGE, will provide a tool that can be used in the design and optimization process of rotary engines operating on heavy fuel. |
| L.K. INDUSTRIES, INC.
9731 Center Street Glenwood, NY 14069 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(716) 941-9202
Mr. Lawrence J. Krzeminski OSD 08-UM6 Awarded: 05/28/08 |
| Title: | Modeling & Simulation for Optimization of Heavy-Fuel Micro Rotary Engines |
| Abstract: | This program will conduct analytical studies to demonstrate how to convert the AR-741, rotary engine, to run on heavy fuel. Specifically, CFD modeling will be used to show how direct injection/stratified charge can be employed to convert this engine to heavy fuel. The direct injection will avoid predetonation, while the stratified charge or layering of the fuel air mixture will be investigated for a "lean burn" characteristic to achieve the best fuel economy. Further, the spray pattern will show a rich fuel mixture at the point of ignition for sufficient starting ease. The effects of turbocharging will also be modeled to achieve the desired SFC of 0.35. Thermodynamic cycle analysis will be used as a first order attempt to show the benefits of turbocharging and increased compression ratio on SFC. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) will be used for the combustion design; showing the optimum location for the fuel injectors/igniters, spray pattern, mixing, and the corresponding combustion process. CFD will be used to determine optimal rotor pocket geometery and the investigation of the benefits for "split" combustion chamber operation. Lastly, we believe that in order to achieve the desires SFC of 0.35 lbs/HP-hr turbocharging will be a neccessity. |
| PATRICK POWER PRODUCTS, INC.
6679C Santa Barbara Drive Elkridge, MD 21075 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(410) 796-6100
Mr. Michael Griffith OSD 08-UM6 Awarded: 05/27/08 |
| Title: | Modeling & Simulation for Optimization of Heavy-Fuel Micro Rotary Engines |
| Abstract: | PatPower proposes to investigate the adoption of their divided chamber combustion technology to the 741 series rotary engine. The work will comprimise a significant CFD study, which will focus on behavior of the air charge during the induction and compression phases. It will also characterize the fuel spray pattern and reaction to the air charge. A Phase I report will be issued, containing the results of the study and describing a means of incorporating the work into a running engine. |