{"project":{"acronym":"","projectId":18387,"title":"Power Generating Coverings and Casings","primaryTaxonomyNodes":[{"taxonomyNodeId":10597,"taxonomyRootId":8816,"parentNodeId":10593,"level":3,"code":"TX03.1.4","title":"Dynamic Energy Conversion","definition":"Dynamic energy conversion generates electrical power or mechanical work through the conversion of heat using mechanical heat engines.","exampleTechnologies":"Advanced Stirling radioisotope generator; 1-10 kWe Stirling fission power system; Brayton and Rankine cycle generators with solar, fission, or chemical energy sources","hasChildren":false,"hasInteriorContent":true}],"startTrl":2,"currentTrl":4,"endTrl":4,"benefits":"The generation of electrical power from thermal sources has wide direct applications for NASA. Some of these for space missions include supplemental/backup power for instrument and life support on manned space vehicles; non-manned space vehicles to supplement main power and instrument batteries; main and supplemental power source for planetary exploration vehicles; main and supplemental power source for satellites; supplemental/backup power for instrument and life support on ISS; and supplemental/backup power for instrumentation on sounding rockets and balloons. Indirect applications include supplement/eliminate batteries in experimental apparatus at NASA R&D Centers; harvesting energy from heat sources such as pump house engines; remove the passive heat load generated by the ambient environment and active devices in order to stabilize the temperature of sensitive components; and using thermoelectrics to drive component temperatures far lower than normal to the sensitivity of detectors, CCD, thermal imaging cameras, solid state lasers and other sensors.
The generation of electrical power has numerous applications for DOD including fatigues to minimize the battery weight; heat from artillery barrels to minimize the battery weight for electronic gun controls; vehicles to minimize battery requirements for electronics; missile launchers to minimize batteries for launchers and guidance and control systems; nuclear, biological, and chemical defense systems to minimize battery weight; micro and full sized submarines to minimize battery requirements; surface ships to minimize battery and power generation requirements; aircraft to minimize batteries for electronics and life support; unmanned aerial vehicles to minimize battery requirements and weight; and aircraft to minimize batteries for electronics and life support. Applications to the civilian market are similar to DOD, to include clothing; cell phone holsters; tents; backpacks; vehicles, including the passenger compartment; and power generation during emergencies.","description":"Advances in structured heterogeneity together with nanomaterials tailoring has made it possible to create thermoelectrics using high temperature, polymer composites. While such thermoelectrics do not have the capability to approach the efficiency of top performing ceramic modules such as BiTe, they do provide two unique aspects of use in energy scavenging: the ability to cover large areas easily, and the ability to integrate kinetic energy scavenging together with heat scavenging. Recently the group at Wake Forest University has demonstrated a novel design for internal p/n junction formation in such composites, that allows for a significant increase in thermoelectric voltage and power factor while retaining the form factor of a fabric. This improvement in nanocomposite thermoelectric performance, coupled with effective kinetic energy scavenging makes the piezo-thermo-electric \"PowerFelt™\" applicable to a wide range of power collection scenarios. This Phase I program will demonstrate that the PowerFelt™ construct can rival small ceramic modules in overall power generation in a fully flexible, lightweight platform. Further, we will show that it is compatible with advanced manufacturing techniques such as printing, with cost profiles of ~$0.5/W.","startYear":2013,"startMonth":5,"endYear":2014,"endMonth":5,"statusDescription":"Completed","principalInvestigators":[{"contactId":491380,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"William","lastName":"Chew","fullName":"William M Chew","fullNameInverted":"Chew, William M","middleInitial":"M","primaryEmail":"william.chew@streamlineautomation.biz","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programDirectors":[{"contactId":206378,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jason","lastName":"Kessler","fullName":"Jason L Kessler","fullNameInverted":"Kessler, Jason L","middleInitial":"L","primaryEmail":"jason.l.kessler@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programExecutives":[{"contactId":215154,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jennifer","lastName":"Gustetic","fullName":"Jennifer L Gustetic","fullNameInverted":"Gustetic, Jennifer L","middleInitial":"L","primaryEmail":"jennifer.l.gustetic@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programManagers":[{"contactId":62051,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Carlos","lastName":"Torrez","fullName":"Carlos Torrez","fullNameInverted":"Torrez, Carlos","primaryEmail":"carlos.torrez@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"projectManagers":[{"contactId":3164170,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Scott","lastName":"Jensen","fullName":"Scott Jensen","fullNameInverted":"Jensen, Scott","primaryEmail":"Scott.L.Jensen@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false},{"contactId":461333,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Theresa","lastName":"Stanley","fullName":"Theresa M Stanley","fullNameInverted":"Stanley, Theresa M","middleInitial":"M","primaryEmail":"theresa.m.stanley@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"website":"","libraryItems":[{"caption":"Power Generating Coverings and Casings","file":{"fileExtension":"png","fileId":297089,"fileName":"STTR_2012_1_BC_T3.01-9840","fileSize":75382,"objectId":293620,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":889,"code":"LIBRARY_ITEMS","description":"Library Items","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"objectTypeId":889,"fileSizeString":"73.6 KB"},"files":[{"fileExtension":"png","fileId":297089,"fileName":"STTR_2012_1_BC_T3.01-9840","fileSize":75382,"objectId":293620,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":889,"code":"LIBRARY_ITEMS","description":"Library Items","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"objectTypeId":889,"fileSizeString":"73.6 KB"}],"id":293620,"title":"Project Image","description":"Power Generating Coverings and Casings","libraryItemTypeId":1095,"projectId":18387,"primary":true,"publishedDateString":"","contentType":{"lkuCodeId":1095,"code":"IMAGE","description":"Image","lkuCodeTypeId":341,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"LIBRARY_ITEM_TYPE","description":"Library Item Type"}}}],"transitions":[{"transitionId":69056,"projectId":18387,"transitionDate":"2014-05-01","path":"Closed Out","closeoutDocuments":[{"title":"Final Summary Chart","file":{"fileExtension":"pdf","fileId":307807,"fileName":"224857_05_22_2014_16_55_01","fileSize":230278,"objectId":69056,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":1841,"code":"TRANSITION_FILES","description":"Transition Files","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"fileSizeString":"224.9 KB"},"transitionId":69056,"fileId":307807}],"infoText":"Closed out","infoTextExtra":"","dateText":"May 2014"},{"transitionId":69057,"projectId":18387,"partner":"Other","transitionDate":"2014-09-01","path":"Advanced To","relatedProjectId":17909,"relatedProject":{"acronym":"","projectId":17909,"title":"Power Generating Coverings and Casings","startTrl":4,"currentTrl":6,"endTrl":6,"benefits":"
The generation of electrical power from thermal sources with and without vibration has wide direct applications for NASA. This technology can be exploited by NASA R&D Centers to power remote sensors around propellant storage areas and test stands, to supplement/eliminate batteries in experimental apparatus by harvesting energy from heat sources such as pump house engines; remove the passive heat load generated by the ambient environment and active devices in order to stabilize the temperature of sensitive components; and using thermoelectrics to drive component temperatures far lower than normal to the sensitivity of detectors, CCD, thermal imaging cameras, solid state lasers and other sensors. Launch and space applications include supplemental/backup power for instrument and life support on manned space vehicles; non-manned space vehicles to supplement main power and instrument batteries; main and supplemental power source for planetary exploration vehicles; main and supplemental power source for satellites; supplemental/backup power for instrument and life support on ISS; and supplemental/backup power for instrumentation on sounding rockets and balloons.
The generation of electrical power has numerous applications for DOD including minimizing the battery weight for ground troops; electronic gun controls; electronics; missile; guidance and control systems; nuclear, biological, and chemical defense systems; micro and full sized submarines; surface ships to; aircraft for electronics and life support; unmanned aerial vehicles; and aircraft for electronics and life support. It can also be used to many power communication devises, such as between the THAAD Active Leak Sensor System and the Driver when hypergolic leaks occur during transportation and operation. Applications to the civilian market are similar to those for NASA and DOD, that is to eliminate or reduce the need for batteries and incorporation of \"PowerFelt™\" into clothing; cell phone holsters; tents; backpacks; conventional and hybrid vehicles, including the passenger compartment electronics; and power generation during emergencies.
Advances in structured heterogeneity together with nanomaterials tailoring has made it possible to create thermoelectrics using high temperature, polymer composites. While such thermoelectrics do not have the capability to approach the efficiency of top performing ceramic modules such as BiTe, they do provide two unique aspects of use in energy scavenging: the ability to conform to irregular large shaped areas easily, and the ability to integrate kinetic energy scavenging together with heat scavenging. During Phase I, the group at Wake Forest University demonstrated that the combination of thermal and vibrational power production is actually synergetic –the amount of power generated is greater than the sum of the individual components. This improvement in nanocomposite thermoelectric performance, coupled with effective kinetic energy scavenging makes the piezo-thermo-electric \"PowerFelt™\" applicable to a wide range of power collection scenarios. Although the goal of making a 1-m2 material was not completed, significant progress has been made and this capability will be available in Phase II. A sample of \"PowerFelt™\" was sent to the National Institute for Standards and Testing for independent testing. Their results confirmed that \"PowerFelt™\" was significantly better than other power producing films and competitive or better than ceramics that cannot conform to the shape of the heat and vibration source. The material was successfully field tested at the Stennis Space Center at their liquid nitrogen supply facility.
","startYear":2014,"startMonth":9,"endYear":2018,"endMonth":9,"statusDescription":"Completed","website":"","program":{"acronym":"SBIR/STTR","active":true,"description":"The NASA SBIR and STTR programs fund the research, development, and demonstration of innovative technologies that fulfill NASA needs as described in the annual Solicitations and have significant potential for successful commercialization. If you are a small business concern (SBC) with 500 or fewer employees or a non-profit RI such as a university or a research laboratory with ties to an SBC, then NASA encourages you to learn more about the SBIR and STTR programs as a potential source of seed funding for the development of your innovations.
The SBIR and STTR programs have 3 phases:
The SBIR and STTR Phase I contracts last for 6 months with a maximum funding of $125,000, and Phase II contracts last for 24 months with a maximum funding of $750,000 - $1.5 million.
Opportunity for Continued Technology Development Post-Phase II:
The NASA SBIR/STTR Program currently has in place two initiatives for supporting its small business partners past the basic Phase I and Phase II elements of the program that emphasize opportunities for commercialization. Specifically, the NASA SBIR/STTR Program has the Phase II Enhancement (Phase II-E) and Phase II eXpanded (Phase II-X) contract options.
Please review the links below to obtain more information on the SBIR/STTR programs.
Provides an overview of the SBIR and STTR programs as implemented by NASA
Provides access to the annual SBIR/STTR Solicitations containing detailed information on the program eligibility requirements, proposal instructions and research topics and subtopics
Schedule and links for the SBIR/STTR solicitations and selection announcements
Federal and non-Federal sources of assistance for small business
Search our complete archive of awarded project abstracts to learn about what NASA has funded
Still have questions? Visit the program FAQs
","programId":73,"responsibleMd":{"acronym":"STMD","canUserEdit":false,"city":"","external":false,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":4875,"organizationName":"Space Technology Mission Directorate","organizationType":"NASA_Mission_Directorate","naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"NASA Mission Directorate"},"responsibleMdId":4875,"stockImageFileId":36648,"title":"Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer"},"lastUpdated":"2024-1-10","releaseStatusString":"Released","viewCount":401,"endDateString":"Sep 2018","startDateString":"Sep 2014"},"infoText":"Advanced within the program","infoTextExtra":"Another project within the program (Power Generating Coverings and Casings)","dateText":"September 2014"}],"primaryImage":{"file":{"fileExtension":"png","fileId":297089,"fileSizeString":"0 Byte"},"id":293620,"description":"Power Generating Coverings and Casings","projectId":18387,"publishedDateString":""},"responsibleMd":{"acronym":"STMD","canUserEdit":false,"city":"","external":false,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":4875,"organizationName":"Space Technology Mission Directorate","organizationType":"NASA_Mission_Directorate","naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"NASA Mission Directorate"},"program":{"acronym":"SBIR/STTR","active":true,"description":"The NASA SBIR and STTR programs fund the research, development, and demonstration of innovative technologies that fulfill NASA needs as described in the annual Solicitations and have significant potential for successful commercialization. If you are a small business concern (SBC) with 500 or fewer employees or a non-profit RI such as a university or a research laboratory with ties to an SBC, then NASA encourages you to learn more about the SBIR and STTR programs as a potential source of seed funding for the development of your innovations.
The SBIR and STTR programs have 3 phases:
The SBIR and STTR Phase I contracts last for 6 months with a maximum funding of $125,000, and Phase II contracts last for 24 months with a maximum funding of $750,000 - $1.5 million.
Opportunity for Continued Technology Development Post-Phase II:
The NASA SBIR/STTR Program currently has in place two initiatives for supporting its small business partners past the basic Phase I and Phase II elements of the program that emphasize opportunities for commercialization. Specifically, the NASA SBIR/STTR Program has the Phase II Enhancement (Phase II-E) and Phase II eXpanded (Phase II-X) contract options.
Please review the links below to obtain more information on the SBIR/STTR programs.
Provides an overview of the SBIR and STTR programs as implemented by NASA
Provides access to the annual SBIR/STTR Solicitations containing detailed information on the program eligibility requirements, proposal instructions and research topics and subtopics
Schedule and links for the SBIR/STTR solicitations and selection announcements
Federal and non-Federal sources of assistance for small business
Search our complete archive of awarded project abstracts to learn about what NASA has funded
Still have questions? Visit the program FAQs
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