PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N181-013
PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC. — SBIR Phase I award from Department of Defense.
- Amount
- $124,996
- Agency
- Department of Defense · Navy
- Program / Phase
- SBIR · Phase I
- Topic
- N181-013
- Solicitation
- 18.1
- NAICS
- —
- Place of performance
- CT
- Period
- 2018-05-14 → 2019-10-11
Description
Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) has developed a breakthrough technology enabling a new logistics-fueled, high efficiency all-electric power and propulsion (PnP) system with potential to improve mission range and logistics for Navy’s UAS platforms and others. Based upon a high energy density fuel cell power system that can operate on logistics fuels, the technology offers multiple advances for UAS compared to current IC engine. PCI has operated fuel cells on high sulfur fuels for over 1000 hours. PCI proposes to build on this experience to provide a major advance in UAS fuel efficiency, range, life, and reliability, with a modular system designed for maintenance and upgradability. During Phase I, a baseline IFCS that produces a minimum of 0.5–1 kW will be designed and feasibility demonstrated. Process modeling and flight simulation tools will be utilized to show UAS adaptability. A high-fidelity IFCS solid model with a comprehensive list of UAS performance specifications, backed by experimental data, will be delivered. During Phase II, a lightweight prototype will be fabricated and its functionality will be demonstrated. The scalability to 10 kW will be demonstrated. During a Phase III, the IFCS will be matured to TRL 5/6, with ruggedization and environmental compliance.