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.
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project demonstrated the feasibility of a novel hand-held combustion based, power generation system. 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 in large part to inherent difficulties encountered when attempting to miniaturize existing engine technologies. The proposed technology was conceived specifically to take advantage of scaling effects to enhance engine performance. A joint analytical and experimental program was conducted to demonstrate the technical and commercial feasibility of the technology. System level modeling was performed to determine the operating conditions for the system that would maximize efficiency and specific power output (i.e. power output per unit mass). Parametric studies were performed to gain an understanding of the influence of a number of variables. The initial target power range was approximately 10 W to 100 W. However, Phase I analysis and experimental work indicates that exceptional efficiency can be maintained for a power outputs of at least 300 W. This conclusion is the direct result of the experimental and numerical heat transfer tests. The results of the Phase I study strongly support the viability of the technology. Batteries are the dominant, and nearly exclusive, off-grid technology used to provide power in this range. Batteries, however, have significant limitations. Chief among them are low energy density, limited off-grid times before recharging and loss of stored energy over time. Fuel cells have the theoretical ability to capitalize on the energy density of hydrocarbon fuels. Many years of research have gone into the development of small scale fuel cell systems. However, these systems still suffer from poor power density and limited durability. The proposed technology has the potential to overcome the limitations of batteries and fuel cells. Such a device would have many market opportunities and societal benefits. A laptop computer could operate for 30 hours on a single methanol fuel canister. Instead of recharging a new canister can be inserted for continued off grid use. A soldier could travel lighter, faster and longer without needing to replace batteries in flashlights or communications equipment. Greater mobility and quality of life would bepossible for patients that use portable oxygen concentrators or other medical respiratory equipment.
