Thermoelectric Power Generation and Management Module Navy SBIR FY2006.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2006.2 Topic No.: N06-140 Topic Title: Thermoelectric Power Generation and Management Module Proposal No.: N062-140-0180 Firm: Hi-Z Technology, Inc. Suite 7400 7606 Miramar Road San Diego, California 92126-4210 Contact: Aleksandr Kushch Phone: (858) 695-6660 Web Site: www.hi-z.com Abstract: Hi-Z Technology, Inc. (Hi-Z) proposes to use its thermoelectric generators (TEGs) in developing a modular power generation and management system to supplement Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) mission system power services. The TEG will convert engine waste heat or heat from an auxiliary burner to electricity in a reliable and quiet mode. Hi-Z has developed TEG technology of converting waste heat from the existing power generators (diesel or gas turbine) and propulsion engines to electricity. In the engine exhaust, waste heat constitutes approximately 70% of the fuel energy consumed. Using the experience gained in developing and successfully testing a 1 kW(e) energy-harvesting TEG system on the exhaust of a diesel truck and in designing of a 10 kW(e) TEG system on Stryker engine exhaust during the current Army Phase II SBIR, Hi-Z plans to develop a conceptual design of a TEG capable of producing 50 kW(e). A power management system and energy storage unit will be designed to convert the TEG DC output to the required AC for convenient integration with the existing power system. The conceptual design will be based on Hi-Z innovative Quantum Well modules that are four times more efficient, leading to a more compact design. Benefits: Benefits to Navy are in providing added power for the LCS without any fuel requirement or pollution, and also in reducing the IR and acoustic signatures of the existing power generators and propulsion engines. Another side benefit is that the proposed TEG system will continue to provide power and illumination in case of failure of the existing power system and before the emergency system kicks in, because the surfaces of the existing power generators will remain hot for a long time and their waste heat will continue to be converted to electricity. Other applications are in submarines, commercial ships, aircraft, and process plants. The development of this TEG system will accelerate the acceptance and use of waste heat energy conversion in both the truck and automobile fields. This will ultimately lead to substantial fuel savings and lessen our dependence on imported oil. The Class 8 new truck market potential alone is approximately 150,000 units per year, while the other lighter truck and automobile market potential is several million units. With mass production of the highly-efficient Quantum-Well TEG modules, the cost per kW is projected to be more than competitive with the current power-generating technologies. The mass-production process will be highly automated requiring no outsourcing. Return