PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N161-072

Description

Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) has operated solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) at 0.52 kW scales, on high sulfur JP-8, for over 1000 hours. A standalone 1 kW generator prototype has been demonstrated. It is based on unique PCI innovations relating to sulfur cleanup, fuel reformation, hybrid burners, stack selection and integration. PCI proposes to build on this experience to develop and demonstrate a 1.2 kWe logistic fueled, SOFC generator. During Phase I a MIL-SPEC compliant design with a clearly articulated path to meeting the topics weight and fuel consumption requirements of <25 lbs. and =0.10 gallons/hour, and power conditioning needed for scalability by paralleling, will be developed. A key focus will be system optimization via process simulation software, to minimize components and sizing while maintaining high system efficiency and good thermal and flow balancing. A high-fidelity solid model of the generator with a detailed list of components and specifications will be delivered at the end of Phase I. During Phase II, a 1.2 kW, TRL 4 SOFC generator will be developed and demonstrated. During a follow-on Phase III, the generator will be matured to TRL 5/6, with ruggedization and environmental compliance.