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Innovative Hybrid Power System for Increased Endurance Rapid Response Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS)

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA8650-13-M-2374
Agency Tracking Number: F131-159-1160
Amount: $149,837.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF131-159
Solicitation Number: 2013.1
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2013
Award Year: 2013
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2013-07-25
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2014-04-24
Small Business Information
1037 Watervliet-Shaker Road
Albany, NY -
United States
DUNS: 883926594
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Hooshang Heshmat
 President/CEO/Technical Director
 (518) 862-4290
 hheshmat@miti.cc
Business Contact
 James Walton II
Title: Vice President Program Development
Phone: (518) 862-4290
Email: jwalton@miti.cc
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

ABSTRACT: MiTi and its subcontractor are proposing an innovative integrated and low logistics footprint fueled hybrid solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and mesoscopic gas turbine engine generator (GTG) system with fuel-to-electricity efficiencies to 65%. The ultra-high speeds of the oil-free mesoscopic GTG with novel foil bearings and the high fuel-to-electricity conversion efficiency of SOFCs will result in a small, lightweight oil-free hybrid power system with increased system efficiency and power for longer duration missions, higher speeds and larger electrical loads. Taking advantage of existing aerospace and industrial fuel cell technology, and MiTi's mesoscopic turbomachinery experience, the proposed 9-month program will conduct design studies to balance the power demand between fuel cell and GTG to establish a hybrid configuration able to meet the specified mass, loiter and dash requirements. Overall subsystem performance predictions will be made and compared to existing fuel cell and turbogenerator subsystem data. The overall hybrid system configuration concept will be established and a detailed preliminary design for GTG subsystem including compressor and turbine impeller mean line analysis will be completed. Phase II hardware and testing plans will be prepared. BENEFIT: The hybrid SOFC/GTG power system is specifically intended for military application and in particular is intended for the family of SUASs used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), target tracking and acquisition. Development of a wide variety of small, lightweight power systems will initially support military missions. Subsequent commercial applications include border patrol and search and rescue for emergency responders. The technology will also support portable remote power system needs that may have variable load demands.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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