High Performance Nanoscale Thermoelectric Generator for UAVs Navy SBIR FY2010.3 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.3 Topic No.: N103-208 Topic Title: High Performance Nanoscale Thermoelectric Generator for UAVs Proposal No.: N103-208-0709 Firm: Mainstream Engineering Corporation 200 Yellow Place Pines Industrial Center Rockledge, Florida 32955 Contact: Justin Hill Phone: (321) 631-3550 Web Site: www.mainstream-engr.com Abstract: Advancement of thermoelectric (TE) technology has been a major research area for over a century, yet most compositional materials research has not produced TEs with a figure of merit (zT) greater than unity. New methods of enhancing TE efficiency are needed and have been realized through structural alteration of TE materials. Modifying this approach, Mainstream aims to achieve zT �Y 4 for high efficiency TE generators. Further refinement of Mainstream�_s innovative and low-cost approach could lead to even higher zT values and greater efficiencies. In Phase I, Mainstream will test its TE devices at operating temperatures of 135 �aF and 300 �aF. Phase II will include further testing at 400 �aF in a laboratory bench test and perform any needed redesigns. In preparation for transition to military and commercial platforms, Mainstream will also concurrently develop aircraft interfaces and system level integration. Benefits: Market penetration of low-cost, high-efficiency thermoelectric technology would be immediate and global in scale. The typical efficiency of a Carnot cycle is approximately 30%, which means that 70% of the energy being produced by means of a thermal gradient cycle (i.e., fossil fuels, biomass and nuclear power) is lost as heat. Over 14 TW (1012 watts) of energy is produced by thermal gradients, at an average cost of approximately 10 ¢/kWh, to currently meet global energy demands. Thermoelectric devices that produce electricity at an equivalent cost over their lifetime would reduce the total energy needed to be produced from thermal gradients by 25% for a 10% efficient thermoelectric, and by 40% for a 20% efficient thermoelectric. Furthermore, thermoelectrics can increase the usable energy of gas-powered vehicles, such as UAVs, through waste heat recovery. This excess energy can be used for on-board supplemental power or cooling of critical craft components. Mainstream�_s proposed technology could increase current thermoelectric efficiency by factor as high as 200%. Further advances in nanoscale fabrication could lead to even greater efficiency gains. Indeed, the advantages related to the successful completion of this task are far reaching and will present opportunities for significant advancements in catalysis, transistors, batteries, capacitors, photovoltaics such as dye-sensitized solar cells, chemical separations, optics, hydrodynamics, thermal control and much more. Return