SBIR Phase I: Meso-Scale Power Generation System

这个小企业创新研究第一阶段项目将证明一种新型的中尺度燃烧发电系统（MPGS）的可行性。 使用液体燃料的中型发动机的理论能量密度是最好的电池技术的数十倍。 这种系统的理论优势由于在试图使大规模发动机简化时遇到的固有困难而没有实现。 所提出的技术是专门为了利用缩放效应来提高发动机性能而设计的。 将进行联合分析和实验计划，以证明MPGS的技术和商业可行性。 研究工作的预期成果是成功测试MPGS的关键路径系统组件。该项目的更广泛影响/商业潜力是为10 W至100 W范围内的便携式电源提供电池的可行替代品。 所提出的MPGS具有克服电池和燃料电池的许多限制的潜力。 这种装置具有显著的商业潜力和许多社会效益。 一台笔记本电脑可以在一个甲醇燃料罐上运行30个小时。 与需要长时间充电的电池不同，可以插入一个新的燃料罐以继续提供离网电力。 士兵可以更轻、更快、更长时间地旅行，而不需要更换手电筒、通信设备或个人冷却服中的电池。 对于使用便携式氧气浓缩器或其他便携式医疗设备的患者来说，更大的移动性和生活质量是可能的。

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a novel meso-scale combustion based power generation system (MPGS). Meso-scale engines using liquid fuels have theoretical energy densities tens of times greater than the best battery technologies. The theoretical advantages of such systems have gone unrealized due to inherent difficulties encountered when attempting to miniaturize macro-scale engines. The proposed technology was conceived specifically to take advantage of scaling effects to enhance engine performance. A joint analytical and experimental program will be conducted to demonstrate the technical and commercial feasibility of the MPGS. The anticipated outcome of the research effort is successful testing of the critical-path system components for the MPGS.The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is to provide a viable alternative to batteries for portable power in the 10 W to 100 W range. The proposed MPGS has the potential to overcome many limitations of batteries and fuel cells. Such a device has significant commercial potential and many societal benefits. A laptop computer could operate for 30 hours on a single methanol fuel canister. Unlike batteries, which require a long recharge time, a new fuel canister could be inserted for continued off grid power. A soldier could travel lighter, faster and longer without needing to replace batteries in flashlights, communications equipment or personal cooling garments. Greater mobility and quality of life would be possible for patients that use portable oxygen concentrators or other portable medical equipment.