Award Data

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the atmosphere are primary drivers of global climate change and hence there is a crucial need to quantify their sources and sinks. A general technique to constrain source and sink strengths is the analysis of the relative proportions of isotopic variants of GHG's. These measurements must be performed with extremely high precision. The gold standard technique, i ...

There are currently no inexpensive observing systems that detect temperature, salinity and currents under the ocean's surface - all important factors in predicting the intensity of hurricanes. Boston Engineering proposes to develop the Multi-Purpose Above Surface/Below Surface Expendable Dropsondes (MASED). Our design builds on the highly successful air dropsondes already in use, combined with a ...

To capture critical weather and SST data in the Tropical Cyclone Boundary Layer (TCBL), Piasecki Aircraft proposes to evaluate existing meteorological sensor packages, integrate new off-the-shelf MEMS sensors, and design an air-launched UAS to improve the resolution of observations captured in the TCBL. Capturing latent and sensible heat fluxes can be achieved reliably with a powered UAS (compare ...

The mechanics of single photons can be used to entangle information carry quantum states, allowing for quantum computation or random number generation. Quantum communication utilizes the quantum nature of single-photons to retain information, particularly in the form of quantum key distribution protocols. High-efficiency, low-noise single photon detection at high efficiency is critical for the app ...

During the Phase I program, Aurora conducted a comprehensive survey of potential platforms that included government owned and furnished UAVs and manned aircraft as well as Aurora’s Centaur Optionally Piloted Aircraft (OPA). The survey concluded, in part, that UAVs offer a significant improvement in data collection capability when compared to manned aircraft that are currently fielded by NOAA. ...

Environmental Fuel Research, LLC, proposes to commercialize a grease trap waste to biofuel process based on process research from Drexel University. Grease trap waste is dirty and low-value material produced by the food service industry that is high in lipids that can be converted to biodiesel. The quantity of grease trap waste in the United States could produce one-half billion gallons of biodies ...

This project focuses on dissolution and destruction of adhered or trapped target compounds, such as pesticides on wetted porous surfaces (e.g., pipe walls). Our innovative treatment approach is based on simultaneous: (1) desorption from the pipe wall, and (2) oxidation via radical formation. OxyZone-C®, a proprietary reactive agent developed by our team, combines highly effective cyclodextrin­fa ...

Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) proposes to develop a regenerable, low-cost, high-efficiency pollution control technology for removal of gaseous pollutants from contaminated air streams. This innovative air filter technology will combine our novel proprietary Microlith® support elements with sorbent nanomaterials that can be tailored to capture a variety of targeted gaseous pollutants. Originall ...

Presently, there are no U.S. manufacturers for producing dimethyl carbonate (DMC), an environmentally benign and nonflammable solvent used in numerous applications. This strategically important solvent is used in numerous products, ranging from batteries to plastics, with most production occurring in China. DMC is a favored solvent for lithium ion batters due to its low volatility and nonflammable ...

A variety of inorganic and organic contaminants originating from municipal, agricultural and industrial wastewater sources are being found with increasing frequency in the Nation’s natural and drinking water supplies. These “emerging contaminants” include pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, steroids, hormones, flame retardants, perfluorinated compounds, personal care products, and herbicides and p ...