- TDA RESEARCH, INC.Recovery Act - Production Scale-up of Nanoporous Carbons for UltracapacitorsDOEPhase ISBIR9279802-10ER857162010-06-06DE-PS02-09ER09-27200909 b2010150000.00181947730NNN8212345 W. 52nd Ave.Wheat RidgeCO80033John WrightMr.(303) 940-2300jdwright@tda.comSteven DietzDr.(303) 940-2312sdietz@tda.comUltracapacitors have the potential to be high-power energy sources for electric and hybrid vehicles. Current ultracapacitors based on microporous carbon electrodes have low capacitance and high resistance, mainly because almost all of the carbonhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/9629
- TECH-X CORPORATIONServing Climate Data to Industry End-usersDOEPhase ISBIR95304DE-FG02-10ER858422011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201031 a201099602.00806486692NNN605621 Arapahoe AveBoulderCO80303Laurence NelsonMr.(720) 974-1856lnelson@txcorp.comDavid FillmoreDr.(303) 996-2024fillmore@txcorp.comGlobal temperatures are predicted to rise by 2 to 5 https://www.sbir.gov/node/11113
- TECH-X CORPORATIONExtending Chombo with PETScDOEPhase IISBIR91413DE-FG02-09ER855102012-08-14DE-FOA-0000350201050 b2010999749.00841256533NNN555621 Arapahoe AvenueSuite ABoulderCO80303Laurence NelsonMr.(720) 974-1856lnelson@txcorp.comAlexander PletzerDr.(303) 996-2031pletzer@txcorp.comComputer simulations of physical phenomena in nuclear fusion, combustion, climate science, and hydrodynamics often rely on advancing parabolic/heat-like equations implicitly in time. The multi-grid method, which has been shown to scale to 10,000 or more processes, is widely regarded as one of the most ehttps://www.sbir.gov/node/11111
- TECH-X CORPORATIONModeling of Diamond Based Devices for Beam DiagnosticsDOEPhase ISBIR95699DE-FG02-10ER858782011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201013 b201099832.00806486692NNN605621 Arapahoe AveBoulderCO80303Laurence NelsonMr.(720) 974-1856lnelson@txcorp.comDimitre DimitrovDr.(303) 443-2657dad@txcorp.comBeamlines at new light sources, such as the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS II) will operate at https://www.sbir.gov/node/11109
- TECH-X CORPORATIONRapid Low-Noise Simulation of Ultra-bright 10 GeV Electron Bunches in Laser Plasma AcceleratorsDOEPhase ISBIR94727DE-FG02-10ER858122011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201064 a201099691.00806486692NNN605621 Arapahoe AveBoulderCO80303Laurence NelsonMr.(720) 974-1856lnelson@txcorp.comDavid BruhwilerDr.(303) 448-0732bruhwile@txcorp.comThe BELLA project at LBNL seeks to develop ~10 GeV laser-plasma accelerator stages that will produce ultra-short, low-divergence ~1 nC electron bunches, total energy spread of ~1% and slice energy spread of ~0.1%. A beam of sufficient brightness for collider applications can be used to drive a free electron laser and so this is an experimental goal for 2012. Simulation support is required to reduce technical risk and increase the chances of experimental success. However, traditional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations suffer from high-frequency particle noise, which artificially increases the emittance and energy spread of the simulated electron bunch. Fundamentally new techniques are required to adequately suppress numerical noise. Our Phase II objective is to develop software that will reduce technical risk and help to improve the performance of next-generation laser-plasma accelerator (LPA) experiments. In Phase I, we will determine the best approach to accurate low-noise simulation of high charge, ultra-bright relativistic electron beams. Such extreme beams must be simulated as part of production LPA modeling, so we consider only finite-difference time domain electromagnetic techniques. We will consider an approach analogous to what is done in many particle tracking codes, in which self-fields (aka space charge forces) are calculated in the beam frame by solving Poissonhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/11107
- TECH-X CORPORATIONAccelerating PETSc through Next-Generation Heterogeneous SupercomputingDOEPhase ISBIR95137DE-FG02-10ER857542011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201041 a201099776.00806486692NNN605621 Arapahoe AveBoulderCO80303Laurence NelsonMr.(720) 974-1856lnelson@txcorp.comPaul MullowneyDr.(303) 996-2030paulm@txcorp.comIt is often found that seemingly distinct computational codes in https://www.sbir.gov/node/11105
- TECH-X CORPORATIONIntegrating Scientific, Grid, and Cloud Computing InfrastructuresDOEPhase ISBIR94823DE-FG02-10ER858142011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201060 b201099648.00806486692NNN605621 Arapahoe AveBoulderCO80303Laurence NelsonMr.(720) 974-1856lnelson@txcorp.comMark GreenDr.(716) 204-8690mlgreen@txcorp.comAlthough powerful, the Grid has not provided the level of service needed for their efhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/11103
- TECH-X CORPORATIONGyrotron Design and Evaluation using New Particle-in-Cell CapabilityDOEPhase ISBIR94303DE-FG02-10ER859742011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201067 b201099995.00806486692NNN605621 Arapahoe AveBoulderCO80303Laurence NelsonMr.(720) 974-1856lnelson@txcorp.comMing-chieh LinDr.(720) 974-1858mclin@txcorp.comITER will depend on high power CW gyrotrons to deliver power to the plasma at ECR frequencies. However, gyrotrons can suffer from undesirable low frequency oscillations (LFOhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/11101
- TECH-X CORPORATIONPlasma Jet Modeling for MIFDOEPhase IISBIR91518DE-FG02-09ER855062012-08-14DE-FOA-0000350201057 c2010999718.00841256533NNN555621 Arapahoe AvenueSuite ABoulderCO80303Laurence NelsonMr.(720) 974-1856lnelson@txcorp.comJohn LoverichDr.(303) 996-2029loverich@txcorp.comLos Alamos National Lab has a new experiment for modeling plasma jet merging and liner formation where the long term application would be the use of plasma jets for imploding magnetized targets for fusion energy. The physics of this experiment is extremely complicated stretching from the regime of low temperature plasmas to fusion conditions. Modeling is required to assist in the investigation of the physics. Tech-X has a code TxFluids which has demonstrated the ability to model plasma jets in a vacuum chamber. Physics includes various https://www.sbir.gov/node/11099
- TECH-X CORPORATIONQuAI - A Quality Assurance Infrastructure for Data-Centric ApplicationsDOEPhase IISBIR91051DE-FG02-09ER855152012-08-14DE-FOA-0000350201034 c2010999724.00841256533NNN555621 Arapahoe AvenueSuite ABoulderCO80303Laurence NelsonMr.(720) 974-1856lnelson@txcorp.comSvetlana ShasharinaDr.(720) 563-0322sveta@txcorp.comData processing is becoming an integral part of modern experiments and should operate with the timeliness and reliability appropriate to each project. There is a need for a customizable, resource-aware and dynamic mechanism allowing for automatic dissemination of the quality assurance data to the right parties at the right time. The Data Distribution Service (DDS) is a promising new technology that is expected to deliver these features but needs to be tested within and adapted for DOE applications. Tech-X therefore proposes to develop QuAI, a Quality Assurance Infrastructure for timely and reliable distribution of quality assurance data between concurrent data processing applications. The infrastructure will consist of reusable C++ library and Python objects facilitating use of DDS for the upcoming Joint Dark Energy Mission (JDEM) cosponsored by HEP/DOE and NASA. QuAI will allow data exchange over the wide area network with the security and Quality of Service adequate for the JDEM data processing needs. The project will be carried out in collaboration with the Ground Data System JDEM team at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Software developed in Phase I consists of prototypes for the simplifying C++ library and Python wrappers for DDS entities and examples demonstrating the use of the developed software for distribution of the JDEM-relevant data (images and tables from FITS files and simple status data) and providing elements of the Quality of Service satisfying some JDEM requirements (getting data reliably and getting pre-published data). Commercial applications and other benefits: Software developed in this project will allow for quality-assured distributed data processing for DOE experiments and NASA missions. This project will bring Tech-X consulting business for developing custom extensions of QuAI, including custom security, for new HEP, NP and NASA teams, industrial control systems, and mission critical military applications. Adding Python support to DDSimplementations will result in strategic partnerships with DDS vendors.https://www.sbir.gov/node/11097
- TECH-X CORPORATIONHigh-Fidelity Modulator Simulations of Coherent Electron Cooling SystemsDOEPhase IISBIR91329DE-FG02-09ER855082012-08-14DE-FOA-0000350201046 d2010999943.00841256533NNN555621 Arapahoe AvenueSuite ABoulderCO80303Laurence NelsonMr.(720) 974-1856lnelson@txcorp.comDavid BruhwilerDr.(303) 448-0732bruhwiler@txcorp.comCoherent electron cooling (CeC) is an innovative concept for orders-of-magnitude increase in the luminosity of high-intensity relativistic hadron beams, which could dramatically increase the scientific productivity of the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) and may be the only viable approach to enable future electron-ion collider (EIC) concepts. Construction of a proof-of-concept CeC experiment at RHIC will be proposed in early June, 2010. Detailed simulations are needed to reduce technical risk. The parallel VORPAL framework is being used to simulate the electron density/velocity wakes generated by co-propagating ions in a CeC modulator section. In lower dimensionality, Vlasov and https://www.sbir.gov/node/11095
- TECH-X CORPORATIONHigh Fidelity Simulation of Low-Energy Ion Beam Chopping for the Spallation Neutron SourceDOEPhase IISBIR90042DE-FG02-09ER855172012-08-14DE-FOA-0000350201004 a2010999588.00841256533NNN555621 Arapahoe AvenueSuite ABoulderCO80303Laurence NelsonMr.(720) 974-1856lnelson@txcorp.comDavid BruhwilerDr.(303) 448-0732bruhwile@txcorp.comThe Oak Ridge National Laboratory ion source group will construct and operate a two-solenoid low-energy beam transport (LEBT) system for 60 mA H- beams, including rf chopping. This could increase the beam current in the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), while eliminating the sparking problems of the existing electrostatic LEBT. Previous solenoid-based LEBT designs with beam chopping showed problems, due to background ion plasma around the chopper. The parallel simulation framework VORPAL will be used to simulate H- ion beam transport experiments being planned as part of the long-term SNS power upgrade project at Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL). Tech-X personnel have established a collaboration with the ion source group at ORNL during the Phase I effort and this collaboration will be continued and strengthened during Phase II, enabling us to provide key computational support during design and commissioning of the LEBT and to benefit from the insight and guidance of ORNL physicists. It was demonstrated that the parallel VORPAL framework can model all key aspects of chopping in the ORNL LEBT design: 3D electrostatic particle-in-cell (PIC), complex 4-quadrant chopper geometry and radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ) entrance, gradual build-up of background ion plasma, converging ion beam with initial phase space taken from ORNL specifications, and external solenoidal magnetic field. The design potentials were applied to the chopper quadrants with specified rise and fall times and the beam steering angle was verified, while strong plasma dynamics was observed. All possible avenues for beam-plasma instabilities will be explored over multiple time scales: electron plasma frequency (very fast), ion plasma frequency (fast) and rf chopper frequency (slow). Previous experiments and present intuition suggest that problems are occurring on the slow time scale, for which a fast Boltzmann electron model will be used. Code validation and experimental support during LEBT design and commissioning are planned. VORPAL training will be offered to the ion source community and ease of use will be improved, especially through improvements to the graphical user interface (GUI), known as VORPAL Composer. Commercial applications and other benefits: The commercial VORPAL application will be further developed, making it more directly relevant to important commercial applications like compact deuterium on tritium neutron sources for homeland security and oil exploration, as well as ion implantation for the semiconductor industry. The work will also help to reduce risk and potentially lower costs for the planned SNS power upgradehttps://www.sbir.gov/node/11093
- TECH-X CORPORATIONExtending BOUT++ for Solution of Edge Plasma Equations for Use in Whole Device Simulation of TokamaksDOEPhase ISBIR94309DE-FG02-10ER859752011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201067 c201099659.00806486692NNN605621 Arapahoe AveBoulderCO80303Laurence NelsonMr.(720) 974-1856lnelson@txcorp.comAmmar HakimDr.(303) 444-2451ammar@txcorp.comITER is an important next step for the worldwide fusion community and an important program for the U.S. Department of Energy. For this reason, it was listed as the highest priority in the twenty-year outlook of DOE facilities. The success of ITER requires that the facility is optimally used to reach the best possible conditions. To obtain maximal returns on this investment it is critical to have computational tools which will help optimize the design and provide theoretical insights into the experimental results. Critical to this is modeling the edge plasma, as the edge pedestal is dominant in determining plasma performance. The present US leading edge https://www.sbir.gov/node/11091
- TECH-X CORPORATIONAccelerating Large-Scale Beam Dynamics Simulations with GPUsDOEPhase ISBIR95650DE-FG02-10ER858772011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201016 a201099687.00806486692NNN605621 Arapahoe AveBoulderCO80303Laurence NelsonMr.(720) 974-1856lnelson@txcorp.comIlya PogorelovDr.(303) 996-7528ilya@txcorp.comThe Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) is a third-generation, high-brightness, 7 GeV storage-ring-based x-ray light sources that has been in operation since 1996. Several possible long-term upgrades to the APS are investigated at Argonne, including an ERL-based upgrade and an Ultimate Storage Ring (USR), both of which could provide more than two orders of magnitude improvement in brightness over the existing APS. In the near term, Argonne is pursuing an APS upgrade project known as the APS Renewal, aiming at improvements through upgrades of beamline optics, detectors, and end-station equipment. Intensive computation is a pivotal aspect of this accelerator modeling and optimization ehttps://www.sbir.gov/node/11089
- TECH-X CORPORATIONComputational and Data Analysis System for Multi-Technique Rapid Tomography Reconstruction and Quantification ProcessingDOEPhase ISBIR95617DE-FG02-10ER858762011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201019 c201099953.00806486692NNN605621 Arapahoe AveBoulderCO80303Laurence NelsonMr.(720) 974-1856lnelson@txcorp.comMark GreenDr.(716) 204-8690mlgreen@txcorp.comSoftware for rapid image processing and 3D tomography reconstruction is needed for large-scale neutron and x-ray facilities such as the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) located at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the Advanced Photon Source (APS) located at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). The SNS can offer novel imaging methods as well as signihttps://www.sbir.gov/node/11087
- TECHSOURCE INCImprovements to Simulation Codes for Electron Cloud Generation in Long-Bunch, High-Intensity Proton Accumulator RingsDOEPhase ISBIR95649DE-FG02-10ER859982011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201016 a201099711.00061075243NNN58190 Central Park Square, Suite 213Los AlamosNM87544Robert MacekDr.(505) 667-8877rjmacek@comcast.netRobert MacekDr.(505) 667-8877rjmacek@comcast.netElectron cloud effects, especially electron cloud driven beam instabilities, are critical technical risks for the next generation of high intensity proton rings and for upgrades to existing machines. Significant changes and improvements to the simulation codes for electron cloud generation are needed to accurately and reliably model electron cloud buildup in the high intensity proton accumulator rings that drive the DOE supported spallation neutron sources. Comparisons of simulation results with the extensive electron cloud measurements from the Los Alamos proton storage ring (PSR) have pointed to crucial areas for improvement of the widely used POSINST code. Changes to the code will be developed with the goal of obtaining more accurate and reliable modeling that provides better agreement with experimental results, especially with data from PSR. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Commercial applications for the codes produced for this project are limited but we anticipate that some accelerator laboratories may be interested in having us utilize the simulation tools for electron cloud issues at their facilities. The results of this project will directly benefit the understanding and mitigation of electron cloud effects at high-intensity, long-bunch proton rings such as the proton drivers for Oak Ridge Spallation Neutron Source and the Los Alamos Proton Storage Ring.https://www.sbir.gov/node/11071
- Technova CorporationRecovery Act - Shape-Stable and Highly Conductive Nano-Phase Change MaterialsDOEPhase IISBIR9214502-10ER857182012-08-312010954510.00015442887NNN113927 Dobie RoadOkemosMI48864Farangis JamzadehMs.(517) 485-9583nvnco@aol.comJue LuDr.(517) 485-9583tchnv@aol.comhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/11069
- Technova CorporationRecovery Act - Shape-Stable and Highly Conductive Nano-Phase Change MaterialsDOEPhase ISBIR9214502-10ER857182011-03-18DE-PS02-09ER09-27200901 b2010150000.00015442887NNY113927 Dobie RoadOkemosMI48864Farangis JamzadehMs.(517) 485-9583nvnco@aol.comJue LuDr.(517) 485-9583tchnv@aol.comAir conditioning of building accounts for a major fraction of the U.S. primary energy consumption. Air conditioning is also a major contributor to electric utility peak loads, which incur high generation costs and generally use inefficient and polluting generation turbines. Peak loads are also a major factor in poor grid reliability. The proposed project focuses on shifting of thermal loads to lower the high utility peak loads, and also on enhancing the passive use of solar energy. Thermal load shifting will be realized through development of an innovative phase change material (nano-PCM), which is highly conductive for enhanced thermal storage and energy distribution, and is shape-stable for convenient incorporation into lightweight building components. This approach intimately associates the phase change material molecules with the large and compatibly functionalized surface area of exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets. Binding of the phase change molecules upon the nanoplatelet surfaces mitigates bulk liquefaction of nano-PCM upon phase change (providing for shape-stability). The percolated network of highly conductive graphite nanoplatelets provides nano-PCM with high thermal conductivity. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The technology enables effective, convenient and economical use of latent heat thermal energy storage in buildings for achieving the following advantages: (i) the ability to narrow the gap between the peak and off-peak loads of electricity demand; (ii) the ability to save operative fees by shifting the electrical consumption from peak periods to off-peak periods since the cost of electricity at night is 1/3-1/5 of that during the day; (iii) the ability to utilize solar energy continuously, storing solar energy during the day, and releasing it at night, particularly for space heating in winter by reducing diurnal temperature fluctuations thus improving the degree of thermal comfort; (iv) the ability to store the natural cooling by ventilation at night in summer and to release it to decrease the room temperature during the day, thus reducing the cooling load of air conditioning.https://www.sbir.gov/node/11065
- TECHNO-SCIENCES, LLCGalfenol Energy Harvester for Wireless SensorsDOEPhase ISBIR95500DE-FG02-10ER900032011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201023 b201099915.00061997029NNN7011750 Beltsville DriveSuite 300BeltsvilleMD20705Sandra SelhaMs.(240) 790-0600selhas@technosci.comAshish PurekarDr.(240) 790-0600purekara@technosci.comAdvanced power generation facilities benefit from the ability to track operational parameters as a means of increasing efficiency as well as diagnose faults. Sensors, which include temperature, pressure, and chemical composition analyzers, distributed throughout the facility provide an on-line means of tracking performance. Current power generation facilities may capture the benefits of on-line operation parameter tracking using a deployed sensor system coupled with wireless communication technologies. A wireless sensor with an appropriately sized power source, would allow for rapid upgrade of existing power generation facilities to improve efficiency and aide in maintenance efforts. An energy harvesting system will be designed to convert ambient vibrations into useful electrical energy to power the wireless sensor system. The proposed device is based on an innovative use of the magnetostrictive effect which has been demonstrated in the laboratory environment and has the potential to outperform devices using conventional piezoelectric approach. The device will be developed and designed for use with an appropriate wireless sensor configuration for demonstration in the proposed effort. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: A successful effort will demonstrate the ability of the proposed innovative energy harvesting device to power a wireless sensor and may be applied to numerous civilian and military applications. Such devices are desired for sensors associated with structural health management of civil structures such as buildings and bridges. For military applications, such devices have been investigated for monitoring of naval vessels. The proposed device will be designed to be robust with ability to the tailored for the specific operation environment.https://www.sbir.gov/node/11057
- TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT AND TRANSFER, INC.Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing of Cast Turbine ComponentsDOEPhase ISBIR95394DE-FG02-10ER857812011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201027 d201099972.00153908801NNY32133 Defense Hwy212AnnapolisMD21401Sharon FehrenbacherMs.(410) 224-3710sharon@techassess.comWalter ZimbeckMr.(410) 987-8988zimbo@techassess.comThis proposal addresses the high cost and long leadtimes associated with developing advanced gas turbine engines IGCC power plants. The current processing method based on lost wax investment casting, is a significant barrier to turbine engine innovation. Streamlining the development process for advanced airfoils and other cast components will lead to more efficient turbine based power generation plants, and aircraft engines. This Phase I SBIR project will demonstrate the feasibility of using ceramic stereolithography for direct fabrication of integrally cored ceramic molds used in investment casting of turbine components. The process eliminates the need for long lead time and high cost injection mold tooling used to produce the ceramic cores and wax patterns used in investment casting. The process will utilize ceramic material that is currently used for investment casting to ensure casting compatibility. This technology is estimated to provide >75% cost savings to fabricate a set of prototype airfoils for engine testing and reduce airfoil development time from 12 https://www.sbir.gov/node/11025
- TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT AND TRANSFER, INC.CSL-Fabricated Advanced Microchannel CoolersDOEPhase ISBIR94359DE-FG02-10ER859152011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201006 c201099781.00153908801NNY32133 Defense Hwy212AnnapolisMD21401Sharon FehrenbacherMrs.(410) 224-3710sharon@techassess.comGreg SlavikMr.(410) 987-8988gslavik@techassess.comThe Department of Energy and NREL are in an aggressive, ongoing effort to increase efficiency of next-generation hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), with a key challenge in this effort being the thermal packaging of the electric propulsion system power electronics. Eliminating the secondary cooling loop that is used in current thermal packaging schemes for these systems will result in savings of both weight and cost to the HEV. Additionally, novel packaging architectures such as ceramic microchannel cooling designs are of interest due to their much higher heat flux handling capability than current cooling architecture. Technology Assessment & Transfer, Inc. proposes to use a unique fabrication process, Ceramic Stereolithography (CSL), to fabricate monolithic, integrated, CTE-matched aluminum nitride (AlN) manifold/microchannel cooling modules for HEV power inverters. Various surface metallization techniques will be tested to provide optimum thermal contact, and therefore very high heat transfer, when the power die is directly attached with Au/Sn solder. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: CSL-fabricated AlN microchannel coolers will provide for a high-efficiency, more cost-effective HEV that will reduce vehicular emissions. The CSL process is based on rapid prototyping, and allows for easy tailoring of the microchannel geometry based on application and size of the power electronics, which translates to quick turnaround on prototypes with little to no tooling. CSL is also inherently scalable (build several parts simultaneously) for future production. In addition to cooling in HEVs, future applications also include uninterruptible power supplies, electric actuators for aircraft, electric propulsion systems for ships, locomotive propulsion systems and distributed power generatorshttps://www.sbir.gov/node/11023
- TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT AND TRANSFER, INC.Novel Ceramic Membranes for Efficient Hydrogen RecoveryDOEPhase ISTTR954002011-03-18201099832.00153908801NNN32133 Defense Hwy212AnnapolisMD21401Sharon FehrenbacherMs.(410) 224-3710sharon@techassess.comTodd HeilDr.(410) 987-8988tmheil@techassess.comVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityLinda Bucy(540) 231-5281https://www.sbir.gov/node/10999
- T3 SCIENTIFIC LLC High Surface Area-to-Volume Ultrathin Dense Membrane for Hydrogen SeparationDOEPhase ISTTR946772011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201010 c2010100000.00145591256NYY51839 Noble RoadArden HillsMN55112Chung-yi TsaiDr.(763) 784-1585Andy.Tsai@t3sci.comChung-yi TsaiDr.(763) 784-1585Andy.Tsai@t3sci.comUniversity of New MexicoC. Jeffrey Brinker(505) 272-7627Providing a reliable, clean and economical energy source is a priority of the US government. The challenge is to use coal, a secured and economical energy source, to produce clean hydrogen fuel to support domestic and global green economy with near-zero emission. Conventional separation technology and even developmental technology do not satisfy all of the requirements for hydrogen production from coal, especially for high temperature and in the presence of contaminants. This proposal is to develop a novel high surface area ultrathin dense silica membrane for the production of high-purity hydrogen at elevated temperatures. The proposed membrane is designed to have high flux, high selectivity, high resistance to contaminants, be able to handle high pressure and temperature, is durable and at the same time economical. The success of this membrane will be a springboard for the development of a combined syngas purification, water-gas-shift and hydrogen separation to support DOEhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/10931
- SYNTRO TEK CORPORATIONRecovery Act - New Process Control Sensors for Improved Efficiencies in the Power IndustryDOEPhase ISBIR9215402-10ER857132010-06-06DE-PS02-09ER09-27200905 b2010148897.00124409108NNN66655 Lookout Road, Ste 100CBoulderCO80301Ross ThomasDr.(720) 841-7852rcthomas@syntrotek.comRoss ThomasDr.(720) 841-7852rcthomas@syntrotek.comThis SBIR project addresses the development of new, in-situ process control sensors for performing real-time corrosion potential measurements in water supplies used by the U.S. Power Industry. Once commercialized, the proposed in-line sensors will improve the energy efficiencies of U.S. power plants by enhancing the operation and lifetime of facility components (i.e., boilers, condensers and piping); thereby, lowering the costs required to generate electricity. SBIR research and development efforts will focus on designing, fabricating and testing prototype sensors consisting of innovative, PCB-based electrochemical transducers that are able to rapidly identify the corrosive nature of water supplies used in the U.S. Power Industry. Once developed, this innovative sensor technology will be integrated with a new diagnostic analyzer employing mathematical pattern recognition methods to enable advanced corrosion monitoring within the internal components of critical power plant equipment. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The proposed process control sensors will find widespread commercial application within the U.S. Power Industry by enabling lower operating and maintenance costs (up to $4 billion per year) combined with improved energy efficiency for this $78 billion market segment.https://www.sbir.gov/node/10877
- Svv Technology Innovations, Inc.Recovery Act - Hybrid Slat-Array PV System with Thermal Co-GenerationDOEPhase IISBIR9216002-10ER857112012-08-312010999938.00169683856NNN31832 Tribute R-d, S-te CSacramentoCA95815Viktor VasylyevDr.(916) 226-1763v.vasylyev@svvti.comViktor VasylyevDr.(916) 226-1764v.vasylyev@svvti.comhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/10833
- Svv Technology Innovations, Inc.Concentrator PV Receiver Based on Crystalline Si CellsDOEPhase IISBIR90802DE-FG02-09ER854732012-08-14DE-FOA-0000350201023 c2010999921.00680455821YNN05022 Bailey LoopSuite 120McClellanCA95652Sergiy VasylyevDr.(916) 226-1763svasylyev@svvti.comViktor VasylyevDr.(916) 226-1763v.vasylyev@svvti.comThe emerging concentration photovoltaic (CPV) technology has a broadly recognized potential in reducing the cost of electric power generation from sunlight and is seen as a key component of the national Solar America Initiative (SAI). However, the low- and mid-concentration CPV has suffered from inherent limitations of traditional optics and a lack of suitable receiver technology since its inception. The proposed project identifies a perfect match between the variety of solar collectors and PV cells and develops a complete CPV solution. The project strives to fill the final gap in the CPV technology by harnessing the novel Slat-Array Concentrator that provides a highly uniform concentrated flux and developing a low-cost, linear PV receiver fully conforming to the concentrator design. The new receiver will be based on inexpensive, off-the-shelf crystalline silicon (Si) cells rather than on highly specialized and costly concentrator cells employed in conventional CPV designs. The resulting CPV technology will capitalize on the mature PV technology and uniquely combine the reliability and performance of Si cells with the most recent advancements in solar concentrator optics. Our approach allows for boosting the power output from conventional Si cells by a factor of 20 while avoiding cell overheating and performance degradation due to the so called https://www.sbir.gov/node/10831
- Svv Technology Innovations, Inc.Recovery Act - Hybrid Slat-Array PV System with Thermal Co-GenerationDOEPhase ISBIR9216002-10ER857112010-06-06DE-PS02-09ER09-27200908 a201095929.00169683856YNN31832 Tribute R-d, S-te CSacramentoCA95815Viktor VasylyevDr.(916) 226-1763v.vasylyev@svvti.comViktor VasylyevDr.(916) 226-1764v.vasylyev@svvti.comThe emerging concentration photovoltaic (CPV) technology has a broadly recognized potential in reducing the cost of electric power generation from sunlight and is seen as a key component of the national Solar America Initiative (SAI). A well established solar thermal technology provides some of the highest possible conversion of sunlight into useful heat. While CPV has suffered from inherent limitations of traditional optics and a lack of suitable receiver technology since its inception, combining electric and thermal collectors in a single device poses even greater difficulties. The proposed project identifies a perfect match between the variety of solar collectors, PV cells and solar thermal technologies and is aimed at developing a complete, balanced PV/thermal solution. The project strives to fill the gap between the CPV technology and flat-plate heat collectors by harnessing the novel Slat-Array Concentrator that provides a highly uniform concentrated flux and substantial reduction of raw PV and thermal collector materials. The new system will utilize crystalline silicon (Si) cells rather than highly specialized and costly concentrator cells employed in conventional CPV designs and a small form factor heat collector. The resulting hybrid technology will capitalize on the mature PV and solar thermal technologies and uniquely combine these technologies with some of the most sound advancements in solar concentrator optics. Our approach allows for boosting the power output from conventional Si cells by up to a factor of 40 without overheating and additionally cogenerates hot water for a number of applications. This should allow for a direct reduction of the costs associated with semiconductor materials and heat absorbers and help achieve about twice lower cost of generated electricity compared to the flat plate PV panels with an added bonus of continuous hot water flow during the day. We will perform design study, optical and thermal modeling, on-the-sun experiments, and fabricate and test a pilot-prototype concentrator in this Phase I project. With the subsequent development of an integrated hybrid PV/thermal module in Phase II, we will make viable the replacement of conventional PV modules and heat collectors with inexpensive concentrator modules requiring a dramatically smaller quantity of expensive materials. The commercialization of the system to be developed will contribute to the creation and retention of U.S.-based jobs thus contributing to the Presidenthttps://www.sbir.gov/node/10829
- Supramagnetics, Inc.Extrudable NbTi Superconductor with Ferromagnetic Pins for Undulator MagnetsDOEPhase IISBIR90038DE-FG02-09ER854632012-08-14DE-FOA-0000350201003 c2010903966.00562466899NNN6214 Canal StreetPlantsvilleCT06479Leszek MotowidloDr.(860) 426-1961LMOTO@cox.netLeszek MotowidloDr.(860) 426-1961LMOTO@cox.netThe development of an extrudable APC NbTi superconductor with Ni artificial pinning centers by the proposed approach in the Phase I and Phase II program is anticipated to have a significant impact on cost and performance in applications for undulator magnets. The overall technical approach for the Phase I/Phase II project will be to develop and demonstrate an extrudable NbTi superconductor with ferromagnetic pins as undulators. The critical aspects of the conductor design will include optimizing pin size and distribution in order to maximize the bulk pinning force of the conductor. Utilizing a hot extrusion process will help indicate commercial scale up issues and market potential for artificial pinning center (APC) technology. In the Phase I work, we successfully fabricated APC wire with nickel pins approaching 10 nanometers. Moreover, the (Jc) performance of the APC wire was 10,822 Amp/mm2 at 2 Tesla. In the Phase II research and development program, the primary technical objective will be two fold, first to continue to improve the APC flux pinning and Jc performance at the applied field of 1 to 3 Tesla regime by incorporating nickel flux pinning centers. The second primary objective will be to demonstrate a scale-up process that includes two hot extrusions of 152 mm od billets. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: While undulator magnets are important for future photon sources, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) magnets have the nearest term commercial potential. The current NMR market includes spectrometers up to operating frequencies of 800 MHz. Any additional improvements in NbTi superconductors which are included in the outer sections of the NMR magnets could impact the cost of these high end spectrometers. The total NMR market is on the order of a quarter to a half billion dollars and growing. Such systems require magnets generating fields up to 18T range. NMR spectroscopy is a non-destructive technique for mapping molecular structures and learning how molecules function and relate to each other. This is important for many applications that have benefits to the public including discovering new drugs, evaluating new synthetic materials, and exploring the realm of the proteomics. Nb-47Ti, Superconductor, Hot Extrusion, Artificial Pinning Centers, Ferromagnet. A new economical NbTi superconductor with advanced performance will be developed for undulator magnets, MRI, and NMR instruments for the general benefit of the public.https://www.sbir.gov/node/10799
- Supramagnetics, Inc.A Novel Quaternary Low-Cost PIT Nb3Sn Conductor for HEP Magnet Applications at 15 Tesla and BeyondDOEPhase IISBIR91076DE-FG02-09ER854602012-08-14DE-FOA-0000350201036 a2010861724.00562466899NNN6214 Canal StreetPlantsvilleCT06479Leszek MotowidloDr.(860) 426-1961LMOTO@cox.netLeszek MotowidloDr.(860) 426-1961LMOTO@cox.netTo do physics at higher energy collisions require energy and luminosity. More luminosity means larger apertures and bigger magnets. To develop high field magnets will require higher performance low-cost Nb3Sn Superconductors. The cost-performance of state-of-the-art commercial Nb3Sn strand is $3/kA-m to $5/kA-m. By development of lower cost processing and materials, powder-in-tube (PIT) Nb3Sn wire will improve the cost-performance to less than $1.00/kA-m for use in high field magnets for future High Energy Physics (HEP) accelerator research. The overall technical approach for the Phase I/Phase II project will be to develop and demonstrate a substantially lower strand costs for the PIT process. A new low-cost intermetallic tin powder will be introduced within a low-cost novel PIT conductor design. In the Phase I work, we have successfully fabricated a multifilament PIT (Nb,Ti,Zr)3Sn quaternary conductor for high field 15-20 Tesla magnet applications. This was achieved via a low-cost titanium doped tin powder core in Nb-1%Zr tubes. In the proposed development program, the main goal in the Phase II work will be to continue development and optimization of the (Nb,Ti,Zr)3Sn A-15 layer and properties in PIT conductors demonstrated in the Phase I work. Another goal of the Phase II work will be to demonstrate scale-up and produce significant amount of advanced (Nb,Ti,Zr)3Sn material for the DOE national conductor programs. The improved cost-performance for this new PIT Nb3Sn conductor will have an immediate benefit for high field magnets in HEP applications. Particularly, the second generation LHC interaction region magnets including both quadrapole and dipole magnets will require bigger apertures and higher peak fields. Another important application for Nb3Sn superconductors are fusion reactors. The successful demonstration of a prototype fusion machine based on an advanced cost effective Nb3Sn conductor will have enormous economic and social benefits to the public. The application of NMR is on the verge of technological explosion with requirements for uses in chemical research, biochemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, polymer science, petroleum research, agricultural chemistry and medicine. Giant strides by researchers are being made in understanding of cells, proteins, DNA, and drug interactions to name a few. Any advances in the development of high performance-cost effective superconductors will help bring these powerful research tools into wider use for the general benefit of the public. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: A new economical Nb3Sn superconductor with advanced performance will be developed for high field magnets utilized in high energy physics research, fusion machines, and MRI and NMR instruments for the general benefit of the public.https://www.sbir.gov/node/10797
- SVT ASSOCIATES INCRobust GaN-Based Photocathodes for High-Current RF Electron InjectorsDOEPhase IISBIR91136DE-FG02-09ER854702012-08-14DE-FOA-0000350201038 e2010999398.00411764876NYN457620 Executive DriveEden PrairieMN55344Leslie PriceMiss Price(952) 934-2100price@svta.comAmir DabiranDr.(952) 934-2100dabiran@svta.comAdvanced electron injectors are based on photocathode electron guns. These guns can produces electron beams with short pulses and high brightness. High efficiency photo-injectors are the electron source of choice for future linear accelerators (linacs) and colliders, energy recovery linear accelerators (ERLs), fourth generation light sources, injectors for laser-driven plasma wake field accelerators, low-energy electron linacs for applied research, and high-power free electron lasers (FELs). Negative electron affinity semiconductor photocathodes, such as cesium-activated GaAs, can show relatively high quantum efficiency. However, these cathodes require very high vacuum environment for operation with reasonable lifetime which is generally incompatible with high intensity electron gun environment. Hence, there is an immediate need for the development of high QE photocathodes capable of robust operation at high emission currents. This program is directed toward the development of robust GaN-based photocathodes for operation in high-current electron injectors. The main goal is to optimize the electron source characteristics and lifetime for practical application in current and future DOE projects. In the phase I program, GaN-based photocathodes with novel structures were fabricated to demonstrate the remarkable efficiency and stability of these cathodes for electron emitter and UV imaging applications. Device modeling was also done to determine new cathode structures for the Phase II effort. Novel GaN-based photocathodes studied in Phase I will be further optimized by investigating parameters that can affect the reliability and lifetime of these cathodes for operation in high voltage electron guns. To speed up the development phase a new cathode activation and testing chamber will be added to the thin-film deposition system. However, the performance of the optimized cathodes will be evaluated in realistic gun environment by collaborators at Argonne National Lab and Cornell University facilities. Commercial Application and other Benefits: The high-performance UV photocathodes proposed in this work can provide a springboard to commercialization of two main products - an efficient electron emitter and a sensitive photodetector. These products have a great commercialization potential for many applications, including UV imaging, spectroscopy, maskless electron lithography and thin-film metrology.https://www.sbir.gov/node/10795
- SVT ASSOCIATES INCUltra-thin AlN/GaN Heterostructures for Robust, Radiation-hard ElectronicsDOEPhase ISBIR95092DE-FG02-10ER859572011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201044 c201099976.00876868647NYN457620 Executive DriveEden PrairieMN55344Leslie PriceMs.(952) 934-2100price@svta.comAmir DabiranDr.(952) 934-2100dabiran@svta.comExposure to high energy radiation can produces disruptive transient behavior as well as long-term changes in electronic device and circuit characteristics. Depending on both the material properties and radiation characteristics, these effects may result in parametric degradation or functional failure in electronic circuits. Future DOE nuclear research and high-energy physics projects, such as the ATLAS and CMS beam interaction regions in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), require ultrahigh radiation hardness for both ionizing and displacing radiation in particle and photon detectors and the related electronics. Due to a number of important properties in III-nitride materials, including high thermal and chemical stability and a wide bandgap, we propose to develop rugged, radiation-hard AlN/GaN MOS-HEMTs for use in DOE applications. These novel devices have shown an order of magnitude higher tolerance to radiation compared to typical AlGaN/GaN HEMTs and about three orders of magnitude more radiation hardness compared to GaAs-based devices. Commercial Application and Other Benefits: Radiation-hard electronics are sought for robust operation of satellites, space probes, and for support electronics in high-energy and nuclear experiments. Robust high performance power amplifiers are essentials part of the enabling technology for future space missions as well as many civilian and military applications. Material properties of GaN and related alloys make them a key component for these applicationshttps://www.sbir.gov/node/10793
- Supercon, Inc.A Modified Internal Tin Tube Nb3Sn Conductor for Higher Non-Copper Critical Current DensityDOEPhase IISBIR91073DE-FG02-09ER854462012-08-14DE-FOA-0000350201036 a20101000000.00NNN39830 Boston TurnpikeShrewsburyMA01545Terence WongMr.(508) 842-0174twong@supercon-wire.comMark RudziakMr.(508) 842-0174mrudziak@supercon-wire.comFuture magnets for High Energy Physics (HEP) require superconductors with improved high critical current carrying capacity at high magnetic fields, decreased effective filament sizes and lower cost. An improved method of fabricating such superconductors is being investigated using the Internal Tin Tube (ITT) Process that will improve the critical current density achievable. In Phase I, Sn-Ta alloys were fabricated by melt diffusion of mixed powders. The alloys were rolled to foil and placed at the interface between the niobium and the high tin copper-clad tin cores of ITT monofilaments. Thick Nb3Sn layers were formed after heat treatment. Fine grained Nb3Sn was observed in composites containing the alloys, but not in a control composite that did not contain Sn-Ta alloy. In Phase II, the Sn-Ta alloy homogeneity will be improved. The alloy compostion and thickness will be optimized. The process will be scaled-up to a commercial level, with conductor lengths and filament sizes suitable for high energy physics applications. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Future accelerator and related superconducting magnets for HEP applications will become more feasible if this project is successful. Additionally, the technology developed if this project is successful can find application in commercial high field magnets for NMR, FT-ICR, and other analytic magnet applications.https://www.sbir.gov/node/10783
- Supercon, Inc.High Strength Silver Sheath for Bi2212/Ag ConductorDOEPhase ISBIR94785DE-FG02-10ER858112011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201062 a2010100000.00065173049NNN38830 Boston TurnpikeShrewsburyMA01545Terence WongMr.(508) 842-0174twong@supercon-wire.comWiliam NachtrabDr.(508) 842-0174wnachtrab@supercon-wire.comThis proposal describes an innovative high strength silver alloy for use in making Bi2212/Ag round wire conductor. Bi2212 is a high field superconductor that has the highest Jc of any practical superconductor at fields above 20 T. NbTi and Nb3Sn, which are currently the primary materials currently used for high field magnets, are limited to about 10.5 T and 18 T respectively. To generate magnetic fields greater than 20 T, a new high field conductor such as Bi2212 is needed. However, Bi2212 is brittle compound that can be easily damaged, and its critical current is very strain sensitive. The Bi2212 compound is contained in a silver matrix in the wire. The silver matrix is chemically compatible with the Bi2212 ceramic, and it aids in processing the conductor. However, silver is a low strength, low stiffness material. It provides little in the way of mechanical support for the conductor during either magnet fabrication or operation. High field magnets are subject to large stresses. These stresses can exceed the yield strength of the silver matrix, causing degradation of conductor thus limiting the usefulness of Bi2212 for high field magnets resulting in the need to use more costly approaches for producing high magnetic fields. This proposal seeks to develop a high strength, high modulus silver alloy for manufacturing Bi2212 round wire multifilament conductor. The silver is strengthened by a fine dispersion of Al2O3 particles producing an alloy having high strength and stiffness. The Al2O3 particles are chemically inert to Bi2212, and strengthen the silver matrix even after high temperature processing. The increased strength and stiffness provided by the silver alloy results in greater resistance to mechanical stresses and electromagnetic forces. These attributes provide for less complex magnet design, resulting in reduced costs with the benefit of higher performance. Potential applications include particle accelerators and high field NMR magnets. Commercial applications and other benefits: A high field superconductor such as Bi2212 will find its primary application in accelerator magnets for high energy physics. The other major application for the technology is high field nuclear magnetic resonance systems for imaging complex organic compounds and biological materialshttps://www.sbir.gov/node/10781
- Supercon, Inc.Development of High Current 2G High Temperature Superconductor Cabling TechnologyDOEPhase ISTTR943932011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201066 c2010100000.00065173049NNN37830 Boston TurnpikeShrewsburyMA01545Terence WongMr.(508) 842-0174twong@supercon-wire.comMark RudziakMr.(508) 842-0174mrudziak@supercon-wire.comMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyJoseph Minervini(617) 253-5503Future magnets for Fusion Energy Systems require superconducting cables with improved high critical current carrying capacity at high magnetic fields, 20 Kelvin operation, low AC losses and lower cost. A new method of fabricating a high current cable with 2G HTS tapes has been developed that will improve the engineering current density achievable. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Future fusion and related superconducting magnets for HEP applications will become more feasible if this project is successful. Additionally, the technology developed if this project is successful can find application in commercial high field magnets for NMR, FT-ICR, and other analytic magnet applications.https://www.sbir.gov/node/10779
- Strategic Polymer Sciences, Inc.Recovery Act - Unconventional Air Conditioning and Refrigeration System Based on Giant Electrocaloric Effect in Polar-FluoropolymersDOEPhase IISBIR9216802-10ER857092012-08-312010999823.00784136116NNN10200 Innovation BoulevardSte 237State CollegePA16803Ralph RussoMr.(814) 238-7400rrusso@strategicpolymers.comAilan ChengDr.(814) 238-7400acheng@strategicpolymers.comhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/10749
- Strategic Polymer Sciences, Inc.Advanced Film for Capacitors for Power Inverters in Electric Drive VehiclesDOEPhase ISBIR94340DE-FG02-10ER859122011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201006 a201099960.00784136116NNN1200 Innovation BlvdSuite 237State CollegePA16803Allan ChengDr.(814) 238-7400acheng@strategicpolymers.comShihai ZhangDr.(518) 605-6897szhang@strategicpolymers.comCapacitors are critical components in power inverters for electric drive vehicles. Current capacitors have low temperature stability below 105 https://www.sbir.gov/node/10747
- Strategic Polymer Sciences, Inc.Recovery Act - Unconventional Air Conditioning and Refrigeration System Based on Giant Electrocaloric Effect in Polar-FluoropolymersDOEPhase ISBIR9216802-10ER857092010-06-06DE-PS02-09ER09-27200901 a2010148053.00784136116NNN10200 Innovation BoulevardSte 237State CollegePA16803Ralph RussoMr.(814) 238-7400rrusso@strategicpolymers.comAilan ChengDr.(814) 238-7400acheng@strategicpolymers.comMost conventional air conditioners based on mechanical vapor compression cycle (VCC) suffer from low efficiency and cause adverse environmental effect. In addition, air conditioning is a major contributor of electric utility peak loads. In the times of rising energy prices and ever-increasing concern of environment, it is imperative to invest in more efficient and clean cooling technology. SPS propose to investigate the feasibility of developing airconditioners and refrigerators based on the recently discovered polymers with giantelectrocaloric effect (ECE). Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Being electric insulator ECE material consumes very little electricity and has much higher efficiency compared to the traditional cooling technologies. ECE material is also environmentally friendly. This technology can be potentially used in building air conditioning, refrigeration, cooling devices. The application of this technology will reduce the nationhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/10745
- STI OPTRONICS, INC.Advanced Capillary Discharge for Laser Wakefield AccelerationDOEPhase ISBIR94746DE-FG02-10ER858102011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201064 c201086219.00055499800NNN102755 Northup WayBellevueWA98004William ThayerDr.(425) 827-0460bthayer@stioptronics.comWayne KimuraDr.(425) 827-0460wkimura@stioptronics.comLaser Wakefield acceleration (LWFA) has demonstrated the ability to accelerate electrons in a plasma with gradients >30 GeV/m where a capillary discharge is used as the plasma source. The capillary discharge has a parabolic plasma density profile that is able to guide the focused laser beam used to drive the LWFA process. Current capillary discharge designs are inherently limited in the minimum plasma density they can provide while still guiding the laser beam in a tight focus needed to drive the LWFA process. A lower plasma density is needed in order to optimize the acceleration process. Hence, a new type of capillary discharge is needed that can still guide a tightly-focused laser, but at much lower plasma densities. STI Optronics, Inc. (STI) has developed a novel scheme for a new type of capillary discharge that utilizes a dynamic means for reducing the plasma density while at the same time maintaining a sufficiently deep parabolic density profile able to guide a tightly-focused laser beam. During Phase I will develop a computer simulation of this new capillary discharge that builds upon an existing capillary discharge model developed by STI. This model will be exercised to design a proof-of-principle experiment of the new capillary discharge that will be built and demonstrated during Phase II. COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS AND OTHER BENEFITS: Capillary discharges, as part of a laser Wakefield acceleration system, will enable development of high-gradient advanced electron accelerators. Potential usage of these systems includes enabling TeV-class accelerators for high-energy physics and construction of compact accelerators for industrial, medical, homeland defense, and academic applicationshttps://www.sbir.gov/node/10669
- STAR CRYOELECTRONICS, LLCAdvanced STJ-based X-Ray Spectrometer for Synchrotron Science ApplicationsDOEPhase ISBIR95630DE-FG02-10ER858742011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201018 c201099946.00071331768NNN625 Bisbee Ct., Ste. ASanta FeNM87508Robin CantorDr.(505) 424-6454rcantor@starcryo.comRobin CantorDr.(505) 424-6454rcantor@starcryo.comA new class of soft X-ray detectors based on superconducting tunnel junctions that offer both excellent energy resolution as well as high count rate capabilities are now becoming available. These advanced detectors operate at around 0.3 K and require a cryogenic refrigeration system and temperature control electronics for operation at this temperature, along with room-temperature readout electronics and software for spectral analysis. To be viable as an instrument for users at synchrotron beam lines, however, it is essential that the cryogenics and basic system operation be completely transparent to the user. Currently, complete turn-key cryogen-free spectrometers instrumented with STJ detectors are not available commercially. Cryogen-free refrigeration systems consisting of a two-stage pulse tube cryocooler and adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator (ADR) offer a convenient means to reach temperatures below 0.05 K with long hold times. During Phase I, STAR Cryoelectronics proposes to develop a preliminary design for a cryogen-free ADR cryostat with automated controls that will be instrumented with a 112 pixel STJ detector array for synchrotron science applications. The development effort will leverage existing X-ray cryostat designs to reduce development time, costs, and risks. Commercial applications and other benefits: X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is used to study the local molecular and electronic structure of specific elements. Samples can be highly diluted and generally do not require substantial pre-treatment and can range from chemicals and biological samples or tissues to soils and rocks. The development and commercialization of the advanced STJ-based X-ray spectrometer will meet growing needs for improved detector instrumentation for applications in synchrotron science such as XAS. The significant performance enhancements the proposed STJ-based X-ray spectrometer will lead to greater scientific productivity and return on the Nationhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/10641
- Spire CorporationNext-Generation, LED-based, Adjustable Spectrum, Pulsed Solar SimulatorDOEPhase ISBIR94052DE-FG02-10ER859102011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201002 a201099623.00065137978NNN225One Patriots ParkBedfordMA01730Mark LittleMr.(781) 275-6000ssullivan@spirecorp.comHarvey SerrezeDr.(781) 275-6000hserreze@spirecorp.comA key step in the manufacture of photovoltaic (PV) solar modules is their final test under simulated solar illumination. Manufacture of modules to produce megawatts of solar-generated power requires accurate and rapid testing of tens of thousands of modules. Solar simulators used to perform this testing are commercially available from numerous solar equipment manufacturers including Spire. In spite of many advances in the performance of these simulators, there still remain numerous areas for improvement. Specifically, the three main areas are higher spectral accuracy, user controllability of the spectrum and the optical spatial uniformity at the test plane, and reduced cost-of ownership, maintenance, and downtime. To address these shortcomings, Spire is proposing to develop a next-generation, pulsed solar simulator based on light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as the irradiance source. By utilizing a modular approach, simulators capable of testing solar modules of virtually any size could be made. The high efficiency, long lifetimes and steadily decreasing costs typical of todayhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/10617
- Spire CorporationPhotoluminescense for Solar Cell Crack DetectionDOEPhase ISBIR94064DE-FG02-10ER859112011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201002 b201099745.00065137978NNN225One Patriots ParkBedfordMA01730Mark LittleMr.(781) 275-6000ssullivan@spirecorp.comMichael NowlanMr.(812) 756-0003 x2mnowlan@spirecorp.comIn the manufacturing process for photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, a significant percentage of both single- and multi-crystalline silicon wafers and solar cells used in the industry today contain microcracks that are difficult or impossible to detect with the human eye or currently available machine vision systems. These cracks can propagate through the cells, resulting in power loss and/or cell breakage, due to mechanical and thermal stresses during cell fabrication and module assembly, as well as during diurnal thermal cycling after module installation. Electroluminescent techniques have been considered for crack detection, but material defects, such as impurities at grain boundaries in multicrystalline material, make it difficult to identify a high percentage of microcracks with a low percentage of false positives. In this program photoluminescent imaging will be investigated as a means of crack detection. In this technique the front surface of a solar cell is illuminated with photons from a spectrally narrow source. These photons will generate photoluminescence resulting from two recombination paths, one with photons having energy values near 1.1 eV which will be imaged in the near infrared, and one at 3.2 eV which is imaged in the ultraviolet. Illuminating the sample with spectrally narrow sources will allow us to take advantage of the varying depth of penetration of the various wavelengths into silicon. The samples will be imaged as a function of depth allowing us to discriminate between various classes of defects. This technique is exciting due to its potential for high speed non-contact measurements. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Identifying and removing microcracked silicon wafers from the production line has clear benefits to solar cell and module manufacturers. Automating the inspection and reject-part segregation processes reduces the cost of inspection and rework labor in cell and module production lines while increasing module yield, which will reduce the cost of finished modules. The detection of microcracks in wafers and cells, with subsequent removal of damaged materials from the end product, will also increase the lifetime (mean time to failure) of installed modules. This, in turn, will increase the total energy production over the effective lifetime of the PV systems, thereby reducing still further the energy generation cost. In order to advance these goals, Spire plans to integrate automated photoluminescent crack detection systems into its cell testing equipment and module assembly lines.https://www.sbir.gov/node/10615
- SPECTRAL SCIENCES INCRecovery Act - Real-time Remote Detection of HR-VOC Content in FlaresDOEPhase IISBIR9271102-10ER857072012-08-312010999998.00047627732NNN424 Fourth AvenueBurlingtonMA01803Leslie Mccarthy(781) 273-4770lmccarthy@spectral.comRaphael PanfiliDr.(781) 273-4770rpanfili@spectral.comhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/10605
- SPECTRAL SCIENCES INCStructured Emission Thermometry Sensor for Burner ControlDOEPhase IISBIR90479DE-FG02-09ER854442012-08-14DE-FOA-0000350201016 a2010999943.00NNN424 Fourth AvenueBurlingtonMA01803Leslie MccarthyMs.(781) 273-4770lmccarthy@spectral.comJason ClineDr.(781) 273-4770jcline@spectral.comIndustrial processes such as glass production burn huge quantities of natural gas. Burner settings are often set with large error margins to avoid producing pollution. They are also frequently set https://www.sbir.gov/node/10603
- SPECTRAL SCIENCES INCRecovery Act - Real-time Remote Detection of HR-VOC Content in FlaresDOEPhase ISBIR9271102-10ER857072011-03-18DE-PS02-09ER09-27200905 b2010149965.00047627732NNN424 Fourth AvenueBurlingtonMA01803Leslie Mccarthy(781) 273-4770lmccarthy@spectral.comRaphael PanfiliDr.(781) 273-4770rpanfili@spectral.comFlares are widely used in the chemical processing industry to safely vent combustible gas streams. The open-flame combustion of hydrocarbons in flares produces and subsequently emits into the atmosphere substantial quantities of greenhouse gases along with trace amounts of ozone-forming highly-reactive volatile organic compounds and human carcinogens. Current trace species detection technology is both complex and expensive, prohibiting the continuous monitoring of flare facilities. We are applying our unique passive spectral imaging technology to a new sensor that will monitor and control combustion flare emissions. With this sensor, compliance with EPA guidelines for volatile organic compound emissions can be continuously monitored. It will also provide a tight control feedback loop that would enable a controller to optimize the flare for efficiency. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: When the sensor is integrated into combustion flare operation, the industrial customers of those facilities that have the control system will be in possession of a product that generates less pollution per fixed unit of combustible gas. These industrial customers will benefit by reducing fuel consumption and pollution per unit output, thus saving money and improving the environment. The US benefits from efficient use of fossil fuels and decreased pollution.https://www.sbir.gov/node/10601
- Space Computer CorporationSpectrally-Assisted Tracking of Moving VehiclesDOEPhase IISBIR91539DE-FG02-09ER854432012-08-14DE-FOA-0000350201058 e2010950574.00953881053NNN3012121 Wilshire BoulevardSuite 910Los AngelesCA90025Pierre VilleneuveDr.(310) 481-6000villeneuve@spacecomputer.comPierre VilleneuveDr.(310) 481-6000villeneuve@spacecomputer.comLong-term continuous moving-target surveillance from airborne electro-optical sensors provides critical information for tactical awareness situations. Tracking civilian vehicles in urban environments is a challenging problem for existing systems, which generally rely on high-resolution video imagery to identify targets by their spatial characteristics. It is difficult for current spatial-based trackers to re-acquire target lock once the subject has been obscured from view for even moderate lengths of time. The goal of this effort is to demonstrate the exploitation of a vehicle targethttps://www.sbir.gov/node/10505
- SOUTHWEST SCIENCES INCRobust Spectrometer for Carbon Isotope Ratio MeasurementsDOEPhase ISBIR95328DE-FG02-10ER858412011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201030 b2010100000.00153579891YNN151570 Pacheco StreetSuite E-11Santa FeNM87505Alan StantonDr.(505) 984-1322astanton@swsciences.comDavid HovdeDr.(513) 272-1323dchovde@swsciences.comImproved measurement technology is needed to better characterize the exchange and transformation of carbon between the biosphere and the atmosphere. These measurements require highly accurate and precise instruments that are capable of providing isotopic abundances to discriminate between man-made and natural carbon sources. This project will employ cavity enhanced gas correlation spectroscopy to develop, deploy, and test a field-portable carbon dioxide isotope analyzer for the measurement of carbon isotope ratios in ambient air. The instrument will be capable of providing in situ, accurate quantification of both carbon dioxide concentration and carbon isotope ratio of carbon dioxide for the real-time monitoring of carbon dioxide sources and sinks in the biosphere and atmosphere. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Field instrumentation based on cavity enhanced gas correlation spectroscopy (CE-GCS) will find numerous applications in atmospheric research, including airborne measurements of trace gases important in atmospheric and aerosol chemistry and as fluxmeters in atmospheric studies for measuring carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ammonia, or other gases including isotopes of some of these specieshttps://www.sbir.gov/node/10499
- SOUTHWEST SCIENCES INCSelf-calibrating Balloon-Borne Methane Gas SensorDOEPhase ISBIR95327DE-FG02-10ER858402011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201030 b2010100000.00153579891YNN151570 Pacheco StreetSuite E-11Santa FeNM87505Alan StantonDr.(505) 984-1322astanton@swsciences.comJoel SilverDr.(505) 984-1322jsilver@swsciences.comThe release of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels and through other anthropogenic releases is considered to be the major cause of global warming, with potentially damaging economic and environmental effects worldwide. The sources and sinks of these gases and the interactions between the troposphere and stratosphere are needed to understand global warming and help devise strategies to minimize its effects. However, in situ measurements of greenhouse gases have been restricted to airplane or large balloon-gondola platforms, due to the size, weight, and power requirements of current instrumentation. We propose to overcome this limitation with a fully self-calibrating, low mass greenhouse gas sensor suitable for more frequent, widespread measurement campaigns using smaller, inexpensive balloonsondes. In this program, a lightweight, inexpensive, stand-alone methane sensor suitable for balloon sonde measurements will be developed. This sensor uses a novel self-calibration method to achieve the high precision of the much larger and expensive research instruments used on current airborne platforms, but with the ability to operate on a small meteorological balloon. The Phase II result of this program will be a sensor capable of measuring methane with high precision using small, inexpensive balloonsondes without the need for highly trained personnel. Commercial Benefits and Other Applications: In addition to research instruments for atmospheric measurements, low cost, portable gas sensors have applications in such areas as environmental monitoring, gas leak sensing of pipelines, fire detectors for commercial and military aircraft, and process control sensors for energy and chemical production industrieshttps://www.sbir.gov/node/10497
- SOUTHWEST SCIENCES INCInstrumentation for Measurement of Atmospheric Nitric AcidDOEPhase ISBIR95292DE-FG02-10ER858392011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201032 d2010100000.00153579891YNN151570 Pacheco StreetSuite E-11Santa FeNM87505Alan StantonDr.(505) 984-1322astanton@swsciences.comAlan StantonDr.(505) 984-1322astanton@swsciences.comA better understanding of the influences of nitric acid in cloud droplet formation is needed in order to better predict the radiation balance of the Earth in climate modeling studies. New instrumentation to provide fast response airborne measurement of nitric acid vapor and other aerosol precursor gases is required to provide the necessary inputs in developing and refining accurate models of climate change. In this program, a new optical sensor platform will provide a significant advance in the development of rugged, portable instrumentation for airborne measurement of nitric acid or other gases important in climate change. This new approach addresses issues beyond performance, including the ability to be deployed in widespread field operations over extended periods of time. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Federal benefits include the availability of rugged, field-deployable instruments for the rapid and precise measurements of important gases such as nitric acid that will improve our knowledge for predicting and modeling atmospheric dynamics and climate change. This methodology is also applicable to Homeland Security identification of chemical agents. Direct commercial application areas include environmental sensing and regulatory compliance, atmospheric research, and optical sensing. In addition, this technology has application for gas leak sensing of pipelines, fire detectors for commercial and private aircraft, combustor feedback control sensors, and process control sensors for energy and chemical production industries.https://www.sbir.gov/node/10495
- SOUTHWEST SCIENCES INCNDE of Gas Turbine Thermal Barrier CoatingsDOEPhase IISBIR90104DE-FG02-09ER854422012-08-14DE-FOA-0000350201007 b20101000000.00850340320YNN121570 Pacheco StreetSuite E-11Santa FeNM87505Alan StantonDr.(505) 984-1322astanton@swsciences.comKristen PetersonDr.(505) 984-1322peterson@swsciences.comThermal barrier coatings are increasingly being used in advanced power plant and industrial gas turbines to protect metal components from the hot gas stream. Their use improves the durability of turbine parts and increases efficiency of operation. However, premature failure remains a critical concern. It is very important to have a non-destructive evaluation technique for quality control and to detect early damage of thermal barrier coatings during use. Current inspection methods are either destructive or do not provide sufficient evaluation of the coating. An optical, nondestructive inspection method for thermal barrier coatings based on a technology known as optical coherence tomography is being developed. This technology will provide unprecedented imaging of the thermal barrier coating layers and structure and will be capable of detecting damaged coatings and conditions indicative of degradation of the coating. In Phase I, a high-speed instrument capable of nondestructively imaging subsurface structures in thermal barrier coatings was constructed and tested. The dependence of imaging performance on various instrument components and parameters were investigated. The feasibility of this approach was confirmed and a design for a Phase II prototype was developed. In Phase II, an optimized instrument will be constructed and tested. Nondestructive inspection of thermal barrier coating samples subjected to different degrees of thermal aging will be performed. An algorithm for predicting the remaining service life of thermal barrier coatings based on optical coherence tomography data and other nondestructive testing will be developed and validated. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Development of this technology will allow better quality control inspection of thermal barrier coating coated turbine parts at manufacturing and maintenance facilities, will allow identification of coatings that are close to failure. These capabilities will lead to cost savings for turbine parts manufacturers since destructive testing for quality control will be eliminated. Substantial operations savings can also be expected if this technology can help maximize the useful life of components or indicate when failure is about to occur. Unplanned shutdowns are extremely costly to the power industry and its customers.https://www.sbir.gov/node/10493
- STRUCTURED MATERIALS INDUSTRIES, INC.NanoEngineered High ZT Solid State Nanocomposite Thermoelectric (ssnTE) Manufacturing for Multiple Energy Generation ApplicationsDOEPhase IISBIR90254DE-SC00012012012-08-14DE-FOA-0000350201011 d20101000000.00223175106NNN12201 Circle Drive NorthUnit #102PiscatawayNJ08854Gary TompaDr.(732) 302-9274gstompa@aol.comGary TompaDr.(732) 302-9274gstompa@aol.comThermoelectrics, a technology for the direct conversion of heat into electrical energy, is a mature technology that is; however, undergoing a revolution in capability and applicability with the introduction of nanotechnology. Recent results with nanocomposite films have shown that Figures of Merit (ZT) much greater than 1.0 are possible at laboratory-scale; however a technology road map with the view towards large-volume and low-cost manufacturing processes of such TE devices has not previously been envisioned. These demonstrated results must now be transitioned into commercial applications. SMI has teamed with a leading thermoelectric (TE) research group in order to optimize and convert high-performance solid state TE materials developed at laboratory-scale into economically producible products for DOE desired products, military needs, and commercial applications in general. We propose to develop a scalable manufacturing process of large-volume and cost-effective nanocomposite TE device films with ZT values exceeding 2.0.Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Conversion of heat directly to electrical energy is needed for many DOE programs and, following solar energy, will be an important part of many energy generation needs. The realization of high volume production of rugged, high-efficiency, and low-cost thermoelectric devices will have substantial positive impacts on reducing instrument size, weight and cost https://www.sbir.gov/node/10399
- STRUCTURED MATERIALS INDUSTRIES, INC.Recovery Act - ZnO/ZnS/P3HT Core-Shell Heterostrucure Organic Hybrid Solar CellsDOEPhase ISBIR9239602-10ER857102010-06-06DE-PS02-09ER09-27200908 d2010150000.00787144807NNN15201 Circle Drive NorthUnit # 102PiscatawayNJ08854Gary TompaDr.(732) 302-9274GSTompa@structuredmaterials.coGary TompaDr.(732) 302-9274GSTompa@structuredmaterials.coState-of-the-Art Organic solar cells such as Polymer-fullerene using P3HT-PCBM have a 1 sun AM 1.5 power conversion efficiency of ~ 4.4%. We herein propose to develop substrate agnostic hybrid photovoltaic structures combining a ZnO contact layer, lattice strain accommodating ZnO nanorod cores with ZnS quantum well bandgap tuning photon absorbing shells and a P3HT voltage enhancement layer. The proposed solar cell has a theoretical Shockley-Quiesser efficiency limit of 23%. In Phase I we will demonstrate proof of concept cells with >5% efficiency and >1Voc as well as develop the production process active layer deposition tooling. In Phase II we will scale the produced cells and refine the process to establish a) cells operating at >10% and b) a pilot production capability of well characterized solar cells. Phase III will be production scale-up https://www.sbir.gov/node/10393
- Sinmat IncDefect Free, Ultra-Rapid Thinning/Polishing of Diamond Crystal Radiator Targets (20??m) for Highly Linearly Polarized Photon BeamsDOEPhase ISTTR950292011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201046 e201099997.00024935517NNY152153 SE Hawthorne Road, Ste 124 (Box 2)GainesvilleFL32641Deepika SinghDr.(352) 334-7237singh@sinmat.comArul ArjunanDr.(352) 334-7270arul@sinmat.comUniversity of ConnecticutRichard Jones(860) 486-4915The fabrication of high-quality ultra thin (~20 micron) diamond crystals targets for 9 GeV highly polarized photon beams is an outstanding challenge. Current state of the art polishing/thinning techniques are not successful in thinning single crystal diamond to such dimension because of its extreme hardness and chemical inertness. These techniques create significant stresses surface and sub-surface damage that limits the final thickness to approximately 100https://www.sbir.gov/node/10347
- Sinmat IncLow Cost, Scalable Manufacturing of Microlens Engineered Substrates (MLES) for Enhanced Light Extraction in OLED DevicesDOEPhase ISTTR946142011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201009 b201099997.00024935517NNY152153 SE Hawthorne Road, Ste 124 (Box 2)GainesvilleFL32641Deepika SinghDr.(352) 334-7237singh@sinmat.comPurushottam KumarDr.(352) 334-7270pkumar@sinmat.comUniversity of FloridaFranky So(352) 846-3790Solid state lighting is being promoted as the ultimate lamps of future. Though the internal quantum efficiency of OLED devices is almost 100%, external efficiency is a mere 36% mainly because of poor light out-coupling (~40%) from the device. Improvement in light out-coupling to >70% and further reducing the manufacturing cost will rapidly accelerate the commercialization of the OLED technology. The development of large meter scale non-vacuum manufacturing methods that address light out-coupling at both substrate interfaces is necessary to address this problem. Sinmat proposes a novel low cost method to create microlens engineered substrates that is expected to show significant enhancement in out-coupling efficiency, while reducing manufacturing cost. Commercial Application and Other Benefits: Lighting consumes >20% of the total electricity generated in the US and nearly 30% of electricity used in commercial and residential buildings. Proposed technology would increase the efficiency of OLEDs by 3 fold from ~50 lm/W to 150 lm/W which will be twice the efficiency of compact fluorescent lamps. Commercialization of solid state lighting technology will lead to substantial energy saving and environmental benefits to the nation.https://www.sbir.gov/node/10345
- SIMMETRIX, INC.Interoperable Components to Support Unstructured Mesh Simulations on Massively Parallel ComputersDOEPhase IISBIR91412DE-FG02-09ER854372012-08-14DE-FOA-0000350201050 b2010816061.00383337607NNN1010 Halfmoon Executive Park DriveClifton ParkNY12065Mark BeallDr.(518) 348-1639mbeall@simmetrix.comMark BeallDr.(518) 348-1639mbeall@simmetrix.comGovernment and industry have made large investments in the development of mesh-based analyhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/10329
- Signal Processing, Inc.A Fast Detection and Localization Approach to Monitoring Cables in Underground Power Distribution NetworkDOEPhase ISBIR94870DE-FG02-10ER859972011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201057 b201099999.00620282256NYY913619 Valley Oak CircleRockvilleMD20850Chiman KwanDr.(301) 315-2322chiman.kwan@signalpro.netChiman KwanDr.(301) 315-2322chiman.kwan@signalpro.netShort-circuit and arcing faults commonly occur in underground power networks. Short-circuit normally occur at distribution feeders. Consolidated Edison of New York (Con Edison) experiences more than 1600 failures on its distribution feeders each year. Arcing faults also occur frequently in power cables. Con Edison experiences more than 1000 arcing faults on its secondary distribution system each year. We propose an integrated approach to detect and localize short-circuit and arcing faults in underground power networks. The proposed framework consists of hardware and software. Voltage and current sensors are needed. The software has noise filtering and fault detection and localization algorithms. Our framework is modular in nature and each module can be independently modified and updated. In Phase 1, laboratory demonstrations will be performed. In Phase 2, we will build real-time prototype and evaluate its performance in a underground power network. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The technology can be used in power network fault diagnostics, including underground networks. The research results of this project will lay down a solid foundation for future commercialization effort with the above applications. Our team has strong tie with Con Edison. We anticipate this market will be at least 50 million dollars over the next decadehttps://www.sbir.gov/node/10269
- Sheeta Global Tech Corp.Subsurface Monitor for Dissolved Inorganic Carbon at Geological Sequestration SiteDOEPhase ISBIR95464DE-FG02-10ER857762011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201024 d201098175.00002559065NNY91036 Countryside DriveWalnutCA91789Yongchun TangDr.(626) 695-4539tang@sheetaglobal.comSheng WuDr.(626) 277-8455sheng@sheetaglobal.comThis proposal addresses the needs to measure the Dissolved Inorganic Carbons (DIC) in underground brine water at higher sensitivity, lower cost, in situ, at higher frequency and over long period of time for the Monitoring, Verification and Accounting (MVA) of CO2 sequestration. The current manometer type of technology for measuring DIC and the difficulties in operating such instruments for sub-surface MVA of CO2 are explained. We propose that QCL based spectrometer could provide higher sensitivity of DIC measurement, and therefore could quantify and resolve at high sensitivity over an extended region or spatial scale; improve the reliability of next-generation detection and sensing technologies; and quantify the mass of sequestered CO2, not only over its volume (both depth and lateral extent) but also as a function of time, thus meeting the challenges represented in technical Area #24, subtopic d. of the FOA. We will verify the advantages of the proposed solution and build a prototype in the Phase I of the project. Commercial Applications and other benefits: The proposed research will provide a powerful tool for sub-surface MVA of CO2 at sequestration sites. The technology developed will also find great market opportunities in industrial process control, medical care and other researches. The final instrument will have great impacts for the ultimate accurate MVA of sequestrated CO2, creating green energy jobs in support of the Recovery Act.https://www.sbir.gov/node/10211
- Shear Form Inc"Fine grain Nb tube for SRF Cavities"DOEPhase ISBIR94699DE-FG02-10ER858092011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201065 b201099996.00141254701NNN4207 Dellwood St.BryanTX77801Karl HartwigProf.(979) 693-4102kthartwig@shearform.comRobert BarberMr.(979) 822-5038rbarber@shearform.comSuperconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities used in charged particle linear accelerators, are currently fabricated by deep drawing and welding high RRR pure niobium sheet. The sheet typically has a non-uniform and poorly textured microstructure which leads to excessive thinning, unpredictable cavity shape, inconsistent "spring-back", and rough surfaces during cavity manufacture. These factors limit linear accelerator performance and increase cavity manufacturing cost. Equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) processing will be used to refine and homogenize the microstructure of Nb tube for subsequent hydroforming into SRF cavities. Careful selection of deformation and heat treatment conditions during the processing steps will give a microstructure with a fine and uniform grain size and favorable texture in the tube leading to improved deformability and lower manufacturing costs. Phase I work includes 1) developing equipment and procedures for ECAE processing of high RRR Nb tubing, 2) ECAE processing of tube, and 3) mechanical and microstructural characterization of fine grain Nb tube to assess quality for hydroforming into SRF cavities. Material property comparisons with commercial Nb sheet/tube will be used as a baseline for evaluating project success. Phase II work will include construction of a scaled up tool for ECAE processing of high RRR Nb tube, ECAE processing of 4-6 inch outside diameter Nb tubes, hydroforming of the ECAE processd tube into prototype SFR cavities, and operational testing of the prototype SRF cavities. Cavity manufacturing and performance experiments will assess the improvement in the fabricability and performance of the fine grain Nb tube compared with comparable cavities made from commercial Nb sheet and tube. A cost/benefit analysis will assess economic viability of the new technology. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The commercial application is to apply this technology to the production of Nb tube for lower cost superconducting radio frequency cavities. Cabot, Wah Chang, Inc., and H.C. Starck, Inc. may be interested in using this technology for Nb tubular products. The approach used could be applicable to the fabrication of other tube materials including tantalum, titanium and zirconium.https://www.sbir.gov/node/10199
- Seldon Technologies, Inc.Recovery Act - Novel Carbon Nanotube Containing Media for Water Separation from B-100 BiodieselDOEPhase ISBIR9245102-10ER857042010-06-06DE-PS02-09ER09-27200910 c2010138161.00132500062NNN2731 Depot AvenueP. O. Box 710WindsorVT05089Vardhan BahpaiDr.(802) 674-2444vbajpai@seldontech.comVardhan BajpaiDr.(802) 674-2444vbajpai@seldontech.comBiodiesel is our next generation ecohttps://www.sbir.gov/node/10099
- Saxet Surface ScienceSTRAW ??? A Hydrogen-Specific Pressure Gauge for XHVDOEPhase ISBIR95066DE-FG02-10ER859562011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201045 e2010100000.00135251267NNN23913 Todd LaneSuite 303AustinTX78744Gregory MulhollanDr.(512) 462-3444mulhollan@saxetsurfacescience.comGregory MulhollanDr.(512) 462-3444mulhollan@saxetsurfacescience.comA fundamental issue with high average current photoelectron guns is the generation of stray electrons and ions which can damage the photoemitter. Both the photogenerated electron bunch and any field emitted electrons can potentially directly impact the photocathode, desorb molecules from the gun structure and act as ionization agents for backgroundhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/9961
- Saxet Surface ScienceImproved Ion Resistance for III-V Photocathodes in High Current GunsDOEPhase IISBIR91327DE-FG02-09ER854322012-08-14DE-FOA-0000350201046 d2010850000.00743072245NNN33913 Todd LaneSuite 303AustinTX78744Gregory MulhollanDr.(512) 462-3444mulhollan@saxetsurfacescience.comGregory MulhollanDr.(512) 462-3444mulhollan@saxetsurfacescience.comA fundamental issue with high average current photoelectron guns is the generation of stray electrons and ions which can damage the photoemitter. Free electrons can potentially directly impact the photocathode, desorb molecules from the gun structure and act as ionization agents for backgroundhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/9959
- Rocky ResearchRecovery Act - Efficient Solar Power Air Conditioning Using a High-Efficiency Absorption Cycle and Novel Mid-Temperature Solar CollectorDOEPhase IISBIR9245602-10ER857022012-08-312010994606.00152672127NNN361598 Foothill DriveBoulder CityNV89005Uwe RockenfellerDr.(702) 293-0851kaveh@rockyresearch.comPaul SarkisianDr.(702) 293-0851paul@rockyresearch.comhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/9847
- Rocky ResearchRecovery Act - High-Efficiency Absorption Cycle and Novel Mid-Temperature Solar Collector.DOEPhase ISBIR9245602-10ER857022010-06-06DE-PS02-09ER09-27200901 a2010149427.00152672127NNN361598 Foothill DriveBoulder CityNV89005Uwe RockenfellerDr.(702) 293-0851kaveh@rockyresearch.comPaul SarkisianDr.(702) 293-0851paul@rockyresearch.comThe proposed project addresses the need for an efficient cost-effective building cooling system which is powered by solar heat collected using low to medium temperature solar collectors. Such a system avoids the need for expensive high-temperature solar collectors and has potential to result in a truly cost-effective system that could achieve significant market penetration. Benefits to the public and DOE include reduced combustion of fossil fuels and less CO2 released to the atmosphere. A high-efficiency aqua-ammonia absorption chiller is being modified to accept heat from a lowcost medium temperature solar collector. The chiller is nearing commercialization. Coupling a commercial chiller with a commercially available solar collector will result in a system for solar powered building cooling that is cost effective, readily available, and reliable. Modular design based on 5RT chiller units will provide for application over a broad capacity range. Phase I will provide technical demonstration of the concept and Phase II will culminate with full-scale prototypes ready for production. Solar-powered building cooling is attractive for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Benefits to the user include reduced energy costs and reduced demand charges. Peak cooling loads typically occur at the same time as peak power demand. Solar-powered cooling will provide significant benefit to the utilities and rate payers through reduced demand. Commercial and industrial users will also see reduced demand charges. And of course, as with any solar technology, environmental benefits will be realized as market penetration becomes significant.https://www.sbir.gov/node/9845
- Rocky Mountain Geophysics, LlcDevelopment of Mine Explosion Ground Truth Smart SensorsDOEPhase ISBIR95832DE-FG02-10ER858852011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201053 a201099989.00826538360NNN3167 Piedra LoopLos AlamosNM87544Steven TaylorDr.(505) 412-2841srt-rmg@comcast.netSteven TaylorDr.(505) 412-2841srt-rmg@comcast.netAccurate seismo-acoustic source location is one of the fundamental aspects of U.S. nuclear explosion monitoring and for verification of a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). Critical to improved location is the compilation of ground truth data sets for which origin time and location are accurately known. We propose to build an inexpensive, ground truth smart sensor that could be placed in close proximity (< 5 km) to mining regions that would greatly aid in development of ground truth datasets thereby improving U.S. nuclear explosion monitoring capabilities. The overall objective is to build a compact, self-contained, inexpensive smart sensor seismo/acoustic system that can be placed in mining regions for nuclear explosion monitoring ground truth development efforts. Our approach is to analyze available locally-recorded mine explosions in order to develop algorithms and associated hardware to meet operational goals necessary for transmittal of accurate ground truth data. The hardware and algorithms developed as part of our Phase I and II study can be migrated to the processor for applications such as border security, facility monitoring, and measuring ground motion from surface mines, early earthquake alert warning systems, deep underground coal mine safety among others. Seismic, acoustic, nuclear explosion monitoring, smart sensors, ground truth, mining regions Rocky Mountain Geophysics, Inc. will develop a seismo/acoustic smart sensor system to be used to transmit accurate ground truth information (location, origin time, magnitude) from mining regions to improve U.S. nuclear explosion monitoring capabilities. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits:The system will be compact, inexpensive, simple to deploy and capable of autonomous operation for periods of up to six months.https://www.sbir.gov/node/9841
- RNET TECHNOLOGIES INCEnhancement of GridFTP Performance Through GMPLS Integration and Hardware OffloadingDOEPhase IISBIR91435DE-FG02-09ER854272012-08-31DE-FOA-0000350201052 c20101000000.00200098466NNN5240 West Elmwood DriveSuite 2010DaytonOH45459Vaidnathan NagarajanDr.(937) 433-2886vnagarajan@rnet-tech.comGerald SabinDr.(937) 433-2886gsabin@rnet-tech.comMany scientists rely on transport protocols such as GridFTP to transfer very large https://www.sbir.gov/node/9819
- RNET TECHNOLOGIES INCHPC Application Energy Profiling for Energy OptimizationDOEPhase ISTTR952392011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201036 a2010100000.00141943030NNN5240 West Elmwood DriveSuite 2010DaytonOH45459V NagarajanDr.(937) 433-2886vnagarajan@rnet-tech.comGerald SabinDr.(937) 433-2886gsabin@rnet-tech.comThe Ohio State UniversityChrista Yandrich(614) 247-6080Energy consumption is quickly becoming one of the primary bottlenecks of compute clusters and supercomputers. The DOE is a primary developer and consumer of these power hungry supercomputers, however smaller cluster machines are also widely used through other government agencies and industries. Yet, there are few power profiling tools that allow application developers transparent insight into the power requirements of their application code. Software tools and APIs will be developed to allow application developers to gather power profiling data from existing power sensors (e.g., IPMI) and to correlate the power information with application methods and kernels. To compliment the power profiling software, additional node sensors will be developed to increase the transparency into the component (e.g., CPU, GPU, and DRAM) power usage. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The power reduction benefits would benefit developers and end-users of supercomputing systems in both government agencies and industry. The developers would benefit from reducing application power consumption via the use of the proposed tools, thus increasing the value of their application to end users resulting in a competitive advantage. End users would benefit from the reduced energy costs, reduced building requirements, and the socio-political advantage of touting reduced energy consumption.https://www.sbir.gov/node/9817
- RNET TECHNOLOGIES INCGreen Storage for HPC with Solid State Disk (SSD) TechnologiesDOEPhase ISTTR952032011-03-182010100000.00141943030NNN5240 West Elmwood DriveSuite 2010DaytonOH45459V NagarajanDr.(937) 433-2886vnagarajan@rnet-tech.comGerald SabinDr.(937) 433-2886gsabin@rnet-tech.comThe Ohio State UniversityChrista Yandrich(614) 247-6080https://www.sbir.gov/node/9807
- RIDGETOP GROUP INCUptime Improvements for Photovoltaic Power InvertersDOEPhase ISBIR94075DE-FG02-10ER859082011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201002 c201099952.00157955597NNN306595 N Oracle RdTucsonAZ85704Milena ThompsonDr.(520) 742-3300milena.thompson@ridgetopgroup.comJustin JudkinsDr.(520) 742-3300justin.juudkin@ridgetopgroup.comAn innovative Reliability-Prediction System funded by DOE for Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Cell Inverters will yield important benefits to the Public. The power conditioning module in a PV system, the inverter, has been identified as the component with the lowest reliability in many studies. This SBIR Program will significantly benefit the DOE, by improving state-of-the-art of degradation diagnostics and reliability prediction methods for field-deployed PV inverters. The public will benefit from the Ridgetop significant contribution towards renewable energy sources supported through Presidential energy initiatives. Ridgetophttps://www.sbir.gov/node/9791
- Reservoir Labs, Inc.Implementation of an Energy-Saving Bro-Aware Load Balancer at 100 Gbps with Closed-Loop Flow Policy ControlDOEPhase ISBIR95164DE-FG02-10ER857532011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201040 a201099992.00022423854NNN20632 BroadwaySuite 803New YorkNY10012Melanie PetersMs.(212) 780-0542peters@reservoir.comJordi GiraltDr.(212) 780-0527giralt@reservoir.comIn an increasingly hostile computing environment, Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS) serve an indispensable role in preserving the integrity of computer networks. This comes to manifest as the DOE is working at a national level to secure a number of strategic network entry points using Bro [DOE06, DOE09], a powerful NIDS developed by the networking group at the International Computer Science Institute (ICSI) in Berkeley, California. Existing NIDS such as Bro, however, have been for the most part deployed as single-node appliances protecting a specific network asset. This architecture is being driven to a breaking point by two independent realities: first, as network data-rates increase, single-node NIDS boxes are being overwhelmed by the quantity of computation they must perform to continuously secure the network; second, as attacks become ever more sophisticated, NIDS have to incorporate more complex traffic analysis heuristics that further stress the systemhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/9747
- REACTION SYSTEMS, INC.A Novel Process for Improved Hydrogen Separation and RecoveryDOEPhase ISBIR95720DE-FG02-10ER859332011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201012 d2010100000.00196231166NNN419039 E. Plaza Dr., Suite 290ParkerCO80134David WickhamDr.(720) 352-7161wickham@reactionsystemsllc.comDavid WickhamDr.(720) 352-7161wickham@reactionsystemsllc.comBecause of increasing demand for energy and decreasing supply of fossil fuels there now is a strong need to reduce fossil fuel consumption and one way to do this is to use more efficient methods to convert fuel to power. Currently, the technology that has one of the highest energy conversion efficiencies is the fuel cell and as a result, there is strong interest in the efficient production of hydrogen from fossil fuel feedstocks. Hydrogen is produced by steam reforming hydrocarbon fuels and the final step in the process is hydrogen separation from other products. Unfortunately, pressure swing absorption (PSA) which is the current method of choice only recovers between 65 and 90% of the hydrogen that is produced. Clearly a more efficient hydrogen separation process is needed. In this Phase I proposal, Reaction Systems LLC will develop a novel process for hydrogen separation with potential efficiencies of over 98%. In addition, the process could also increase the production efficiency upstream of the separation process, resulting in substantial increases in hydrogen yield. Our process will utilize a novel, catalyzed solution that will selectively react with hydrogen isolating it from the process flow. The solution is then dehydrogenated at higher temperature, producing a very pure product at high pressure. Moreover, the off gas from our separation process will be emitted at feed pressure so some of it can be recycled in the water gas shift reactor, which could produce an additional 5% improvement in hydrogen yield. Finally the system is much simpler than a PSA unit with much lower expected capital costs. In Phase II we will optimize the process and construct a pilot scale demonstration rig that will be used on the slip stream of an operating hydrogen production facility. Commercial Application and Other Benefits: The successful development of a more efficient hydrogen separation and intensification method would be a major benefit because it would provide hydrogen for fuel cells or other applications at lower cost. The cost of producing a high purity flow of hydrogen is a major hurdle that must be overcome to increase the use of fuel cells, which are one of the most efficient methods of converting fuel to energy. This would facilitate an immediate reduction in CO2 emissions and also allow the US to reduce its reliability on fossil fuels.https://www.sbir.gov/node/9683
- REACTION ENGINEERING INTERNATIONALA Technology to Mitigate Syngas Cooler FoulingDOEPhase ISBIR95448DE-FG02-10ER857752011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201025 c2010100000.00612498220NNN2377 West 200 SouthSuite 210Salt Lake CityUT84101Bradley AdamsDr.(801) 364-6925adams@reaction-eng.comMichael BockelieDr.(801) 364-6925bockelie@reaction-eng.comCoal gasification plants have exhibited sub-par performance and plant economics due to poor reliability and availability. A major contributor to the poor performance has been fouling of the syngas cooler located downstream of the gasifier. The fouling is due to vaporized ash from the coal gasification process depositing on the inner walls of the tubes in the fire tube heat exchanger used in the syngas cooler. At present the understanding of the fouling mechanism for coal gasification is not adequately understood for equipment vendors to develop a solution. In this project we will develop a soot blowing technology tailored to the coal gasification conditions that exist a syngas cooler used at coal gasification plants. The new soot blower design will be based on an improved understanding of the governing mechanisms for syngas cooler fouling which will develop within this project. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The target application for the soot blower technology developed in this project is coal gasification plants producing syngas for use in refining power generation and chemical applications. If successful, the developed soot blower technology will improve the reliability and availability of coal gasification plants. This will help reduce the US dependence on foreign energy sources and aid in reducing green house gas emissions.https://www.sbir.gov/node/9679
- REACTION ENGINEERING INTERNATIONALEnhanced Methane Production by Co-Gasification of Potassium-Rich Biomass and CoalDOEPhase ISTTR954402010100000.00612498220NNN2377 West 200 SouthSuite 210Salt Lake CityUT84101Bradley AdamsDr.(801) 364-6925adams@reaction-eng.comMichael BockelieDr.(801) 364-6925bockelie@reaction-eng.comUniversity of UtahTodd Nilsen(801) 581-4913https://www.sbir.gov/node/9675
- TDA RESEARCH, INC.Recovery Act - Reactive Distillation Biodiesel ProcessDOEPhase IISBIR9267602-10ER857152012-08-3120101000000.00181947730NNN8212345 W. 52nd Ave.Wheat RidgeCO80033John WrightMr.(303) 940-2300jdwright@tda.comBrian ElliottDr.(303) 940-2341belliott@tda.comhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/9643
- TDA RESEARCH, INC.Inexpensive Carbon Matrix for High Performance Lithium Sulfur BatteriesDOEPhase ISBIR94543DE-FG02-10ER859342011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201008 b2010100000.00181947730NNN8512345 W. 52nd Ave.Wheat RidgeCO80033John WrightMr.(303) 940-2300jdwright@tda.comJohn OlsonDr.(303) 261-1122jolson@tda.comBatteries with multi-electron redox materials offer promise for increased performance relative to state of the art lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-sulfur (Li/S) batteries have two electron cathode materials (in addition to a lithium metal anode) and better than two times the specific energy of Li-ion batteries. However, several issues have prevented Li/S batteries from becoming more commercially viable. The sulfur cathode is both ionically and electronically insulating and so requires a conductive matrix. In addition, cycle life is limited by diffusion of polysulfides to the anode where they are reduced to Li/S2 becoming inactive; historically the cycle life has been relatively poor (https://www.sbir.gov/node/9641
- TDA RESEARCH, INC.Poison-Tolerant WGS Catalyst for Biomass-Coal Co-Gasification SystemsDOEPhase ISBIR95411DE-FG02-10ER857782011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201026 b2010100000.00181947730NNN8512345 W. 52nd Ave.Wheat RidgeCO80033John WrightMr.(303) 940-2300jdwright@tda.comGokhan AlptekinDr.(303) 940-2349galptekin@tda.comGasification technologies convert coal and biomass into synthesis gas feed streams that can be used as a chemical feedstock to Coal-Biomass-to-Liquids (CBTL) processes. The CBTL process can produce transportation fuels and value added chemicals. It uses domestic feedstock, has a greenhouse gas footprint better than conventional coal or petroleum fuels, and is projected to be economical at world oil price significantly below the existing level of $82 per barrel (IEC, November 2009). The commercialization of the CBTL technologies requires the development of clean-up and purification processes that can virtually eliminate these contaminants from the synthesis gas feed stock. While the gas clean-up is vital to protect the catalysts, it will also increase the cost of the CBTL process, and the more stringent the removal requirements are, the more the gas clean-up will cost. Therefore, it is desirable to develop catalysts that can resist poisoning to reduce the extent and severity of the gas clean-up process. TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) proposes to develop a highly active and cost effective water-gas-shift catalyst that is tolerant to the contaminants in the synthesis gas streams generated by coal and biomass co-gasification. In Phase I, we will prepare various catalyst formulations and screen them to determine their activity and selectivity in WGS process. Based on the performance results, we will carry out a detailed engineering and cost analysis to assess the technical and economic viability of the new technology. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The contaminant tolerant WGS catalyst will provide a cost effective way to adjust the CO:H2 ratio of the synthesis gases generated by coal-biomass co-gasification. Because of its high activity even at low temperatures, we also expect that the new catalyst will find immediate use in the fuel processors of the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems.https://www.sbir.gov/node/9639
- TDA RESEARCH, INC.Novel Method for Conversion of Biomass to FuelDOEPhase ISBIR95747DE-FG02-10ER859352011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201011 b2010100000.00181947730NNN8512345 W. 52nd Ave.Wheat RidgeCO80033John WrightMr.(303) 940-2300jdwright@tda.comGirish SrinivasDr.(303) 940-2321gsrinivas@tda.comEthanol is a versatile chemical with many industrial uses, but most ethanol is used as a fuel or fuel additive. Ethanol is produced primarily by fermentation of grains, but if it could instead be made from the syngas produced thermochemically from biomass gasification, a valuable fuel could potentially be made using a wide variety of cellulosic feedstocks. In Phase I, TDA will prepare and test a novel catalytic process for the conversion of syngas to ethanol. Mainly due to its projected use as an oxygenate in gasoline, ethanol demand is projected to grow by as much as 10% per year until 2012. Currently, as much as 83% of the ethanol in the U.S. is produced by fermentation processes of corn. As a result, food prices spiked in 2008, in part driven by the fact that farmers were growing corn for ethanol production instead of for food crops. As an alternative, intensive R&D efforts are underway to develop biochemical methods to convert cellulosic biomass into ethanol, but technologies are not yet mature. Conversion of syngas produced from gasification of cellulosic biomass to high value ethanol would be an advantage for both the fuels and chemical industries. TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) has identified a novel catalyst for converting syngas to ethanol. In Phase I, TDA will synthesize and test new catalysts using our automated reactor equipment to determine the combination of catalyst formulation and operating conditions that give the best selectivity for converting syngas to ethanol. In Phase II, we will optimize the catalyst formulation further and test the best catalyst in a bench-scale reactor. We will then work with our commercialization partner to test our process at the pilot plant scale. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: This project will develop a new route to ethanol from a cheap, abundant (domestic supply), cellulosic feedstock that will help meet the rapidly growing demand for fuel ethanol.https://www.sbir.gov/node/9637
- TDA RESEARCH, INC.Recovery Act - Brackish and Wastewater Cleanup for Process CoolingDOEPhase IISBIR9234202-10ER857142012-08-3120101000000.00181947730NNN8212345 W. 52nd Ave.Wheat RidgeCO80033John WrightMr.(303) 940-2300jdwright@tda.comGirish SrinivasDr.(303) 940-2321gsrinivas@tda.comhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/9635
- TDA RESEARCH, INC.A New Three-Part Architecture for Efficient and Stable Bulk Heterojunction OPV DevicesDOEPhase IISBIR90764DE-FG02-09ER854992012-08-14DE-FOA-0000350201023 b20101000000.00841043375NNN7212345 W. 52nd AvenueWheat RidgeCO80033John WrightMr.(303) 940-2300jdwright@tda.comMichael DienerDr.(303) 940-2314mikee@tda.comRapid and encouraging progress in bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaics (BHJ OPV) has made them one of the most promising new technologies for inexpensively generating electricity from sunshine. However, power conversion efficiencies remain about ~60% of what is thought to be required in order for them to be commercially viable. Moreover, the champion devices incorporate both vacuum-deposited materials, which mitigate their advantage of inexpensive production, and highly reactive materials, which lead to poor stability. Our approach is a new architecture for BHJ OPV, which simultaneously extends the range of operation further into the red (from ~630 nm to ~850 nm and beyond) while retaining the excellent properties of the poly(3-hexyl)thiophene:fullerene blend for energy conversion at lower wavelengths. Issues related to device stability will be addressed by eliminating chemically unstable materials, which will prove to be unnecessary in the new architecture. True low-cost fabrication will also be achieved by limiting the cost of the organic materials and depositing both transparent conducting oxides and metal back electrodes from nanoparticle solutions. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The new architecture proposed will lead to increased efficiency and stability while minimizing materials and production costs. That combination will lead to BHJ OPV devices that are less expensive than existing devices on a $/kW*h basis, enabling commercial utilization of BHJ OPV for electrical power production. Initial markets for BJ OPV are believed to lie in flexible and portable electronics for remote power generation, trending towards on-site business and residential power generation as manufacturing techniques are up-scaled and refined.https://www.sbir.gov/node/9633
- TDA RESEARCH, INC.Method for Co-Feeding Biomass and Coal for GasificationDOEPhase ISBIR95443DE-FG02-10ER857802011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201025 b2010100000.00181947730NNN8512345 W. 52nd Ave.Wheat RidgeCO80033John WrightMr.(303) 940-2300jdwright@tda.comSteven GebhardDr.(303) 940-2325gebhard@tda.comAlmost all of the energy consumed by the U.S. comes from fossil fuels. Essentially alltransportation fuels come from oil and most electricity is generated from coal. With essentiallyall transportation fuels coming from petroleum, and 70% of electricity coming from coal ornatural gas, it is economically and strategically in the best interest of the U.S. to developtechnologies that permit the increased use of renewable resources for producing transportationfuels and generating electricity. Because the U.S. has enough coal reserves to last about 200 years at current consumption rates, coal will be a part of our energy future. The problem of course, is that this will generate largeamounts of CO2 if the coal is simply burned or gasified. One way to decrease the amount of CO2generated when using coal, is to co-feed it with a renewable carbon source such as biomass. Thebiomass is carbon neutral, since the CO2 released when biomass is burned or gasified (or the fuelmade from biomass is burned), eventually ends up being used to grow more biomass. This is anindirect way of utilizing solar energy (which provides the energy needed by the plants to convert CO2 into cellulose) as a way to augment the production of power and fuels from coal.Future systems that convert coal into electricity or fuels will probably be gasification based,because they are clean, efficient and produce a concentrated stream of high-pressure CO2 that is relatively easy to capture for sequestration. Over 500 million tonnes of agricultural residues are produced yearly, and this biomass could be co-fed to the gasifier to reduce overall CO2 emissions. However, biomass is bulky and it is very expensive to transport it to a centrally located gasifier. Further, its bulkiness and fibrous nature makes it difficult to feed to the gasifier. In many cases, the feed system has to be custom tailored to a specific biomass feed, making the system operate poorly when the biomass feedstock is changed. TDA Research Inc. (TDA) proposes to novel method to pre-process and co-feed biomass and coal to a gasifier. Commercial Applications and Other Benehttps://www.sbir.gov/node/9631
- Omega-P, Inc.High-Gradient Two-Beam Electron AcceleratorDOEPhase ISBIR94696DE-FG02-10ER858012011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201065 a2010100000.00084736651NNN10258 Bradley St., 2nd fl.New HavenCT06510George TrahanDr.(203) 789-1165enid@omega-p.comJay HirshfieldDr.(203) 789-1164jay@omega-p.comIn a two-beam accelerator, a high current drive beam imparts energy to a low current test beam by generating microwave power that flows from one beam to the other. The largest project of this sort is CLIC, located at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland, that is being designed for operation at an electron-positron center-of-mass energy as high as 3 TeV. Technical complexity and low efficiency characterize plans for this project, are create technical hurdles that present serious challenges for its designers. This project proposes a new approach to two-beam acceleration by employing detuned cavities in its accelerator structure. In this way, it is possible for both the drive and test beams to traverse the same cavity. This could allow operation at higher acceleration gradients than CLIC because of the possibility of exciting the cavities in more than one mode simultaneously, and could allow a higher efficiency for power transfer between one beam and the other. Commercial applications and other benefits: For construction of a future multi-TeV electron-positron collider, costs will scale down as the working acceleration gradient rises and as the complexity of the device falls. Thus one benefit from use of the proposed cavity structure could be a drop in the cost for the machine. This couldhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/8209
- Physical Optics CorporationRecovery Act - High-Temperature Material Microstructure Nondestructive Evaluation Compton Imaging Tomography SystemDOEPhase IISBIR9266202-10ER856932012-08-312010999996.00153865951NNN22920600 Gramercy Place, Bldg. 100TorranceCA90501Gordon DrewMr.(310) 320-3088gedrew@poc.comVolodymyr RomanovDr.(310) 320-3088psproposals@poc.comhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/8831
- Physical Optics CorporationWireless Seebeck PowerDOEPhase ISBIR95495DE-FG02-10ER857712011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201023 b201099997.00153865951NNN22920600 Gramercy Place, Bldg. 100TorranceCA90501Gordon DrewMr.(310) 320-3088gedrew@poc.comDaniel BockMr.(310) 320-3088ITProposals@poc.comA complex array of wireless sensors used to monitor power plant performance requires a continuous power source, which is not currently available without replacing batteries. Self-powered sensors are sought that can collect from the ambient environment, energy that is currently lost, as opposed to supplying the power with batteries that frequently need replacement or central power from an expensive grid. The development of a new class of thermoelectric nanodevices is proposed, that efficiently convert thermal energy into electrical power. They will provide up to 330 mW-hr per square cm at a low cost of only $5 per square cm, due to low material cost coupled with simple manufacturability applied to a large number of units. These units will provide reliable power to wireless sensor systems because of the constant thermal gradient within power plants. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: These devices will allow for the development of more efficient and low-cost power scavenging technology that will provide a new means to design and implement wireless sensor systems. In addition, this could be developed and expanded as a method to collect the energy from engines to improve power generation efficiency by collecting thermal energy that is normally lost to the environment.https://www.sbir.gov/node/8829
- Physical Optics CorporationMillimeter Wave Inspection Tool for Wind Turbine ComponentsDOEPhase ISBIR94460DE-FG02-10ER859052011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201007 b201099986.00153865951NNY22920600 Gramercy Place, Bldg. 100TorranceCA90501Gordon DrewMr.(310) 320-3088gedrew@poc.comJuan HodelinMr.(310) 320-3088EOSProposals@poc.comThe Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking quality assurance inspection of wind turbine parts. Wind energy is a clean, renewable, and indigenous source of electricity that has the potential to significantly contribute to future domestic energy production if current challenges can be overcome. Improving wind system reliability is a challenge that requires advanced technologies to accelerate development. In particular, improved technologies to perform quality assurance inspection on very large, thick wind turbine parts are needed to uncover hidden defects before and after field installation. To address this urgent DOE need, a new millimeter wave inspection tool for nondestructive testing of wind turbine components will be developed. The tool is based on a scanning millimeter wave probe that uses the penetrating, low energy light to image defects throughout the thickness of wind turbine composite parts. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The inspection tool being developed will provide a fast and reliable diagnostic device that can directly be applied both in the wind plant after manufacturing and in the field prior to installation. This will benefit the nation by improving the reliability of wind turbine components thereby reducing maintenance costs and extending wind turbine installation lifetimes. Improving the reliability and operability of wind turbines will help to establish domestic wind energy manufacturing capabilities and create a large number of green and clean energy jobs for Americans in the coming decades. Other commercial applications for the inspection tool include nondestructive inspection of large-scale composite materials such as parts for bridges, aircraft, and structures.https://www.sbir.gov/node/8827
- Physical Optics CorporationLarge-Format Autostereo Volume Integrating Synthetic Holographic 3D Visualization SystemDOEPhase ISBIR95108DE-FG02-10ER857522011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201042 a201099995.00153865951NNY22920600 Gramercy Place, Bldg. 100TorranceCA90501Gordon DrewMr.(310) 320-3088gedrew@poc.comTin AyeMr.(310) 320-3088EOSProposals@poc.comAdvanced scientific visualization systems are sought to extract scientific insights from high volumes of data generated by simulations and experiments. Specifically, these systems should provide collaborative data analysis and visualization with capabilities to communicate among users, creating a sense of participation and knowledge sharing via novel display technologies such as 3D autostereo. To address these needs, POC proposes to develop an advanced collaborative super high-resolution autostereo volumetric 3D visualization system that is scalable to wall size and that will allow multiple users to freely visualize and collaboratively analyze high-density volumetric scientific data in a distortion-free autostereo (without eyewear) 3D format. The proposed system consists of a high-speed angular image beam scanner based on high frame-rate digital micromirror spatial light modulators, a holographic multiplexed projection screen, multichannel video image generation, and interface electronics. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: This super high-resolution wall-size volumetric 3D display visualization system will be extremely useful for scientific visualization because typical 3D displays now used by scientists are two-view (left/right) stereo systems. The revolutionary display of high-density information in a true volumetric 3D format can significantly improve 3D perception and aid visualization of details otherwise obscured in 3D, significantly enhancing scientific understanding of physical processes such as the Earthhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/8825
- Physical Optics CorporationRecovery Act - High-Temperature Material Microstructure Nondestructive Evaluation Compton Imaging Tomography SystemDOEPhase ISBIR9266202-10ER856932010-06-06DE-PS02-09ER09-27200904 b2010149999.00153865951NNN22920600 Gramercy Place, Bldg. 100TorranceCA90501Gordon DrewMr.(310) 320-3088gedrew@poc.comVolodymyr RomanovDr.(310) 320-3088psproposals@poc.comThe DOE is seeking new nondestructive evaluation methods to assess the microstructures of materials used in high temperature applications. These materials could include metallic alloys, nuclear grade graphite, carbon-carbon composites, and silicon carbide-silicon carbide composites. To solve this problem, our company proposes to develop a new one-sided three-dimensional Compton Imaging Tomography System for Nondestructive Evaluation of High Temperature Material Microstructures in situ, in one pass, providing accurate identification and localization of internal microstructure features in metals, ceramics, and composites: micro-flaws and microdefects (voids, delaminations, porosity, and inclusions) based on registration of highresolution three-dimensional X-ray images of the material microstructures. The system will effectively collect 200-400 kiloelectron-volt X-rays providing spatial resolution of 50-100 micrometers, and sensitivity better than 0.5% in density difference. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The proposed system will extend DOE leadership in new high-temperature material development for nuclear and gas turbine applications. It will permit precise detection of as-fabricated flaws and in-service damage for such material microstructures (metallic alloys, ceramics, and composites), providing quantitative information on residual microstructural performance. Military applications of the system will include in situ, in-field NDE/NDT of military aircraft gas turbines and aircraft and spacecraft composite structures with complicated geometry. The commercial availability of the system include its use for in situ NDE/NDT/NDI of hightemperature materials and parts of modern commercial aircraft, rockets, spacecraft, and any application requiring microstructure defect detection and for multilayered composite, metallic, and plastic non-uniform structureshttps://www.sbir.gov/node/8823
- Physical Optics CorporationRecovery Act - Hybrid Electrical And Thermal Energy SystemDOEPhase ISBIR9237402-10ER856922010-06-06DE-PS02-09ER09-27200908 a2010149987.00153865951NNN22920600 Gramercy Place, Bldg. 100TorranceCA90501Gordon DrewMr.(310) 320-3088gedrew@poc.comXiaowei XiaDr.(310) 320-3088EOSProposals@poc.comThe DOE new Solar America Initiative (SAI) program is seeking development of an innovative, cost-effective, integrated solar energy system to reduce the cost of photovoltaics (PV)-generated electricity across traditional residential, commercial, and industrial utility markets, and make PV cost-competitive with other forms of renewable electricity by 2015. Current PV technology for solar energy costs 15-30 https://www.sbir.gov/node/8821
- Physical Optics CorporationRecovery Act - Thermally Assisted PhotoElectrochemical Hydrogen Generation using a Holographic ConcentratorDOEPhase ISBIR9275302-10ER856942010-06-06DE-PS02-09ER09-27200908 b2010149989.00153865951NNN22920600 Gramercy Place, Bldg. 100TorranceCA90501Gordon DrewMr.(310) 320-3088gedrew@poc.comJuan HodelinDr.(310) 320-3088EOSProposals@poc.comThe President has emphasized solar energy as a key element in the nationhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/8819
- Physical Optics CorporationFiber Optic High Temperature Seismic SensorDOEPhase IISBIR90682DE-FG02-09ER853132012-08-14DE-FOA-0000350201021 b2010999996.00330118051NNN22920600 Gramercy PlaceBldg. 100TorranceCA90501Gordon DrewMr.(310) 320-3088gedrew@poc.comAlexander ParfenovMr.(310) 320-3088EOSProposals@poc.comThe U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking development of seismic sensors, under its Geothermal Technologies Program, to support the subsurface monitoring of geothermal reservoirs during reservoir stimulation and operation. It is anticipated that these sensors will respond within the frequency range from sub-Hz to multi-kHz, be compatible with packaging for downhole deployment, including the capability to operate within the temperature range from -20oC to +250oC, and having an expected operating lifetime of 5000 hr. Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes an innovative Fiber Optic High Temperature Seismic Sensor (FOTSS) technology based on a microbending sensor design using multimode fibers, which is stable at elevated temperatures. Using optical time domain reflectrometry with a diode laser for interrogation, and digital signal processing, the sensor provides sensitivity over a wide frequency range (sub-Hz to multi-kHz). In Phase I POC successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the FOTSS approach through computer simulations, developing and demonstrating a working prototype based on a series of proof-of-concept experiments and tests. POC demonstrated that the FOTTS Phase I prototype has sensitivity down to sub-mg levels with a bandwidth of 1400 Hz and high temperature resistance up to +250oC. The results of the testing were in good agreement with the simulation and modeling results. In Phase II POC plans to further develop the FOTSS system. POC will bring to maturity the FOTSS technology proven feasible in Phase I, and build a full-scale prototype FOTSS system for geothermal energy source monitoring directly applicable to DOE tasks. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The proposed sensor addresses the major DOE requirements for high-temperature endurance (250oC for 5000 hr), wide (several kHz) bandwidth, seismic sensor solution. High-temperature-resistant, permanent downhole sensor technologies support the expansion of geothermal energy by improving safety and enabling the development of new techniques to identify and monitor geothermal resources. In addition to geothermal well monitoring, commercial applications include deep oil and gas well seismic profiling for exploration and monitoring, environmental monitoring, and vibration measurements in high-temperature environments (e.g., engines, motors, rockets, and wind turbines). Additional markets exist for https://www.sbir.gov/node/8817
- Phds Co.Growth of Large Diameter High-Purity Germanium Crystals for Nuclear Physics ResearchDOEPhase ISBIR95018DE-FG02-10ER859532011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201046 b2010100000.00141612684NNN10777 Emory Valley RoadSuite BOak RidgeTN37830Ethan HullDr.(865) 481-3725ethanhull@phdsco.comRichard PehlDr.(865) 414-5434dickpehl@phdsco.comThe existence of larger diameter germanium crystals will provide larger, more sensitive, gamma-ray detectors for Nuclear Physics measurements at DOE user facilities. Large Diameter germanium crystal growth techniques will be experimentally developed during the Phase I and Phase II. Large diameter germanium crystals will be grown and evaluated in the context of germanium gamma-ray detectors for DOE Nuclear Physics. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The improvements afforded by the existence of larger diameter germanium crystals will enable important germanium detector systems to enter new regions of sensitivity and commercial viability. These systems will have immediate applications in research taking place at DOE user facilities including nuclear physics, astrophysics, and rare-particle detection. Moreover, these detector systems will enable germanium detectors to enter commercially active fields currently unoccupied by germanium detectors. The most important of these fields is nuclear medicine. The path from growing the germanium crystal to a final detector system will always remain viable in the United States. The process requires an environment including the presence of good scientists, engineers, technicians, and close association with research scientists at DOE laboratories. The work proposed here provides the seed to initiate and motivate this effort having tremendous social and economic benefits for the United States and the world. All of the work to be performed under this SBIR will be performed by PHDs Co. in Oak Ridge, TN. PHDs Co. is a 100% domestic corporation.https://www.sbir.gov/node/8557
- Phds Co.Segmented Rectifying and Blocking Contacts on Germanium Planar DetectorsDOEPhase IISBIR91383DE-FG02-09ER853102012-08-14DE-FOA-0000350201049 a20101000000.00680625833NNN10777 Emory Valley RoadSuite BOak RidgeTN37830Ethan HullDr.(865) 481-3725ethanhull@phdsco.comEthan HullDr.(865) 481-3725ethanhull@phdsco.comThe semiconductor contacts on segmented germanium planar detectors require improvement to commercially supply better detectors at lower cost with faster delivery. In addition, this improvement will result in the utilization of significantly more high-purity germanium crystals for detector fabrication. The DOE operates user facilities for Nuclear Physics research that require such detectors for gamma-ray measurements. New viable semiconductor-detector contacts were experimentally developed during Phase I. These contacts will be further refined and adapted for use on full sized detectors for Nuclear Physics research during Phase II. To accomplish these goals, numerous germanium detectors will be fabricated and tested. A new version of the NPX detector product line based on this technology will become available, in modest quantities, by the end of Phase II. Several new germanium-detector contacts were fabricated and tested. One particular contact experimentally demonstrated the essential physical properties needed to be an extremely useful segmented germanium-detector contact. The contact technology will be fine-tuned and evolved to become amenable to full-sized NPX segmented germanium-detector fabrication. This new contact will be the basis for a new product line to become available by the end of the Phase II. The physical mechanisms of the contact will be studied to gain a better fundamental understanding. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Better germanium detector contacts will enable these detector systems to enter new realms of sensitivity and commercial viability. These systems will have immediate applications in research taking place at DOE user facilities including work in Nuclear Physics, positron-annihilation spectroscopy, astrophysics, and rare-particle detection. Moreover, these detector systems will enable germanium detectors to enter commercially active fields currently unoccupied by germanium detectors. The most important of these fields is nuclear medicine. Unlike many other position-sensitive gamma-ray detector technologies, germanium-detector technology is scalable to larger sizes and can be manufactured in mass. All technical steps of manufacture, including crystal growth detector fabrication, and system integration will remain viable in the United States for the foreseeable future. The process will always require an environment including the presence of scientists, engineers, technicians, and close association with research scientists at DOE laboratories. All the work supported by this SBIR will be performed by PHDs Co. in Oak Ridge; TN. PHDs Co. is a 100% domestic corporation.https://www.sbir.gov/node/8555
- Phasiks Inc.Recovery Act - Segmented Fresnel CSP for Community and Business ApplicationsDOEPhase ISBIR9276302-10ER856912010-06-06DE-PS02-09ER09-27200908 c2010150000.00788717929NNN610842 Noel St., Suite 106Los AlamitosCA90720Richard WelleDr.(310) 766-1792welle@phasiks.comRichard WelleDr.(310) 766-1792welle@phasiks.comWhile major solar power systems are typically built on marginal land well away from population centers, there exists a significant potential for solar power installations in indihttps://www.sbir.gov/node/8551
- Peregrine Power LLCRecovery Act - Controller for Charging/Storage SystemDOEPhase IISBIR9205702-10ER856902012-08-312010999981.00146272401NNN727350 SW 95th Avenue, Suite 3022WilsonvilleOR97070Dallas MarckxDr.(503) 682-7001dmarckx@peregrinepower.comDallas MarckxDr.(503) 682-7001dmarckx@peregrinepower.comhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/8509
- Peregrine Power LLCRecovery Act - Controller for Charging/Storage SystemDOEPhase ISBIR9205702-10ER856902010-06-06DE-PS02-09ER09-27200907 b2010149978.00146272401NNN727350 SW 95th Avenue, Suite 3022WilsonvilleOR97070Dallas MarckxDr.(503) 682-7001dmarckx@peregrinepower.comDallas MarckxDr.(503) 682-7001dmarckx@peregrinepower.comPluggable EVs will represent a substantial electrical load that must be served when most advantageous in terms of price and grid stress. However, PEVs can also become a resource themselves if the battery storage can be used to support the grid or the customerhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/8507
- PARTICLE BEAM LASERS, INC.Study of a Muon Collider Dipole Magnet System to Reduce Detector Background and HeatingDOEPhase ISBIR94735DE-FG02-10ER858032011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201064 b2010100000.00141243795NNN618925 Dearborn StreetNorthridgeCA91324James KolonkoMr.(818) 885-8956kolonko@pacbell.netRobert WeggelMr.(781) 944-2106bob_weggel@mindspring.comThe concept of a 1.5 TeV https://www.sbir.gov/node/8479
- PARABON COMPUTATION, INC.Virtual HPC Cluster Provisioning in the CloudDOEPhase ISBIR95216DE-FG02-10ER857482011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201037 a2010100000.00158679253NNN1311260 Roger Bacon DriveSuite 406RestonVA20190Paula Gawthorp-armentroutDr.(703) 689-9689parmentrout@parabon.comSteven ArmentroutDr.(703) 689-9689steve@parabon.comBecause the Department of Energy (DOE) must address questions of national importance that do not admit to direct experimentation, high-performance computing (HPC) clusters provide critical simulation capability for the DOE mission. Indeed, HPC clusters are the primary computing resources used by most of the computational science community today. However, cluster expenditures generally provide a poor return on investment (ROI) when actual utilization and total cost of ownership are taken into account, yet a lack of alternatives has stimulated a proliferation of underutilized "closet clusters." Pay-as-you-go 'cloud computing' solutions are delivering unprecedented computational price-performance and accessibility improvements to web application customers and offer hope to cluster users as well, but to date cloud infrastructures have failed to provide the capabilities of an HPC environment in an on-demand fashion that would obviate the need to purchase physical clusters. Designed to integrate with Parabon's mature utility computing solution, which already boasts many of the capabilities sought under this topic, this project proposes to develop three fundamental software capabilities that are needed to enable virtual HPC clusters to be provisioned and used in a cloud: (1) the dynamic discovery of a cloud's inter-nodal network topology and point-to-point bandwidth capabilities to facilitate creation of virtual clusters with fast, secure interconnects; (2) automatic provisioning of and scheduling of jobs to an instantiated virtual cluster; and (3) dynamic re-provisioning of virtual machines on a cloud running at full capacity to service additional demand with only modest degradation of overall performance. Commercial Applications and Other Benehttps://www.sbir.gov/node/8455
- PC KRAUSE & ASSOCIATES INCPerformance and Energy Management in High Performance Computing Systems Using Application-Level Behavioral Attribute Driven TechniquesDOEPhase ISBIR95237DE-FG02-10ER857512011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201036 a201099996.00161183322NNN343000 Kent Avenue, Suite C1-100West LafayetteIN47906Davida ParksMs.(765) 464-8997parks@pcka.comCharles LucasDr.(765) 464-8997lucas@pcka.comThe objective of the proposed effort is to characterize High Performance Computing (HPC) subsystem interactions into meaningful metrics and correlates and, determine the correlations between high-level application behavioral metrics to power consumption in HPC systems. The proposed effort will also evaluate the potential effectiveness of using the correlates as inputs to resource management and job scheduling algorithms for the purpose of consistent energy efficient HPC system operation. A combination of experimental and simulation-based approaches will used to conduct a series of HPC system performance evaluations to further identify HPC sub-system interactions, their conversion into application behavioral metrics and their potential as correlates. Correlation studies on application behavioral metrics will be performed to establish power consumption saving potential. Effectiveness of the correlates for system energy conservation will be evaluated by including the correlates as simulated job scheduler inputs. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The main commercial opportunity made available by this effort will be through additional functionality and system features that would enhance current simulation products. A power aware scheduling capability will provide a resource management model that is scalable and supports the inter-connection of disparate software applications running concurrently on a cluster of multi-core computing nodes. The resulting product will be widely applicable to both military and commercial computing applications that seek run time and power efficient execution among disparate applications. The inherent compatibility with multi-core and cluster architectures will enable rapid proliferation as the adoption of these novel architectures by industry continues to increase thereby further driving down the cost of computing. Sales of intelligent HPC energy load management control systems designed under this effort could provide additional commercial opportunities.https://www.sbir.gov/node/8429
- Orbital Technologies CorporationOff-Grid Solid-State Agricultural LightingDOEPhase ISBIR94634DE-FG02-10ER859322011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201009 c201099999.00196894869NNN701212 Fourier DriveMadisonWI53717Thomas CrabbMr.(608) 827-5000crabbt@orbitec.omRobert MorrowDr.(608) 827-5000morrowr@orbitec.comThis project addresses the potential to move power requirements for ornamental crop lighting systems off the grid and to alternative energy sources such as solar photovoltaic. Photoperiod lighting is currently used in an estimated 25% of greenhouse ornamental production operations and floriculture operations in the field to control flowering and improve product quality. Results from the project could help increase the penetration of solid-state lighting into a new niche market and ultimately provide a means to expand a valuable commercial market without increasing demands on the existing power grid. The overall project objective is to characterize the variables, operating parameters, and constraints associated with the implementation of off-grid solid-state agricultural lighting systems, identify technical and economic barriers, and develop and test component technologies and operating protocols to eliminate those barriers. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Photoperiod control lighting systems are used in high value ornamental crop production to control flowering timing and plant quality. Many growing operations still use inefficient incandescent bulbs for this application. The use of solid state lighting systems would significantly reduce power requirements. Combing the solid state lighting system with photovoltaic panels and batteries would enable the power used in these operations to be completely removed from the grid demand, and could in fact end as a net producer of power. Benefits to the commercial producer would include reduced energy costs, elimination of expendables (glass light bulbs), more precise control of plant timing and quality, and less light pollution. Other benefits include allowing expansion of these operations into areas not sufficiently serviced by available power generation facilities or transmission infrastructure. In a more general sense, it will be another step toward the integration of energy efficient solid-state lighting and solar power into the general economy.https://www.sbir.gov/node/8373
- OPTO-KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS INCSingle Mode Hollow Core Waveguides for Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) LasersDOEPhase IISTTR91527DE-PS02-08ER08-34200958 b2010750000.00625511050NNN1219805 Hamilton AvenueTorranceCA90502Nahum GatDr(310) 756-0520nahum@oksi.comJason KrieselDr(310) 756-0520jason@oksi.comRutgers, The State University of New JerseyJames Harrington(732) 445-3932Spectroscopy in the long-wave infrared (LWIR) wavelength region (8 to 12 https://www.sbir.gov/node/8307
- Optical Physics CompanyRecovery Act - Rollable Solar Thermal ConcentratorDOEPhase ISBIR9224402-10ER856882010-06-06DE-PS02-09ER09-27200910 c2010149996.00160209102NNN1826610 Agoura Road Ste 240CalabasasCA91302Arthur StanleyDr.(818) 800-2907atstanley@opci.comRichard HutchinDr.(818) 880-2907rahutchin@opci.comThe proposed project is aimed at using concentrating solar power (CSP) technology for thermal electricity generation. The target market is small scale residential and commercial applications. These could be either rooftop, backyard or community-based systems that do not require a lot of land and can be sited close to load centers. CSP technology has demonstrated better end-to-end efficiency (30%) than photovoltaic (15%) in generating electrical power, and OPChttps://www.sbir.gov/node/8279
- NumerExA Three-Dimensional Magnetohydrodynamic Simulation Capability for Liner Compression of Field Reversed ConfigurationsDOEPhase ISBIR94291DE-FG02-10ER859702011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201068 c201099999.00612410605NNN132309 Renard Place SESuite 220AlbuquerqueNM87106Michael FreseDr.(505) 842-0074Michael.Frese@numerex-llc.comMichael FreseDr.(505) 842-0074Michael.Frese@numerex-llc.comNumerEx has developed, implemented, and applied a two-dimensional (2-d) magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation model of liner compression of field reversed configurations (FRCs) based on MACH2. The model, including FRC formation, translation, capture, and liner compression, incorporates both an imploding deformable liner and the FRC, and is presently being used to design and provide operational guidance for Department of Energy Office of Fusion Energy Science funded experiments at the Air Force Research Laboratory. Others have applied spectral codes limited to cylindrically symmetric simulation geometries to address three-dimensional (3-d) plasma effects. However, simulations of liner compression of FRCs that can address both 3-d aspects of practical experimental hardware and 3-d plasma effects, and that could validate the 2-d design model are presently unavailable. NumerEx proposes to develop a 3-d MHD simulation capability to address the FRC liner compression problem. This capability will be based on MACH3, NumerExhttps://www.sbir.gov/node/8071
- NOKOMIS INCNovel Coating Materials for RF WindowsDOEPhase ISBIR95685DE-FG02-10ER858672011-03-18DE-FOA-0000161201014 e201099960.00187594788YNN26310 5th St.CharleroiPA15022Gena DisimoniMs.(724) 483-3946gdisimoni@nokomisinc.comPatrick FisherDr.(724) 483-3946pfisher@nokomisinc.comIn recent years, one of the major impediments to the progress of klystron technology for particle accelerators has been the lack of an RF window option exhibiting the key properties required for reliable performance at extreme power levels. Optimized anti-multipactor coatings within the confines of current technology remain a major bottleneck in these systems. Nokomis will develop an innovative RF window coating structure. Building upon Nokomishttps://www.sbir.gov/node/7981