SBIR Phase I: Meso-Scale Power Generation System

这个小型企业创新研究第一阶段项目将展示一种新的基于中尺度燃烧的发电系统(MPGS)的可行性。使用液体燃料的中型发动机的理论能量密度比最好的电池技术高出数十倍。这种系统的理论优势尚未实现，因为在尝试将大型发动机小型化时遇到了固有的困难。拟议的技术是专门为利用比例效应来提高发动机性能而构思的。将进行联合分析和实验计划，以证明MPGS在技术和商业上的可行性。研究工作的预期结果是成功测试了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10W至100W范围内的便携式电源提供一种可行的电池替代方案。拟议的MPGS有可能克服电池和燃料电池的许多限制。这种设备具有巨大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小时。与需要很长时间充电的电池不同，可以插入一个新的燃料罐，以继续离网供电。士兵可以更轻、更快、更长的旅行，而不需要更换手电筒、通信设备或个人降温服中的电池。使用便携式氧气浓缩器或其他便携式医疗设备的患者将有可能获得更大的机动性和生活质量。

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.