SBIR-STTR Award

The objective of this SBIR project is to develop a high temperature (225 °C +) energy harvesting solution for miniaturized smart wireless sensors that can be easily integrated with aircraft turbine engine components such as roller bearings and bearing assemblies to form a distributed engine control system (DCS). The wireless sensing suite, utilizing state-of-the-art high-temperature silicon-on-insulator (HTSOI) processes, will enable the next-generation of harsh environment aircraft turbine engine health monitoring.

Benefit:
The proposed technology will revolutionize the approach to health monitoring and control of aircraft engine, as well as other high performance aerospace components. This technology can also be widely applied in commercial industries such as power generation. In addition to the technical benefits to aerospace and industry partners, the development and commercialization of this technology will provide many high-tech and high-paying jobs to the State of Arkansas, which has been designated as a Highly Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone).

Keywords:
High Temperature, High-Vibration, High G-Load, Energy Harvesting, Htsoi, Wireless Sensor, Aircraft Systems,

This Phase II SBIR will focus on the development of a high temperature (225 °C) wirelessly powered, distributed wireless network for use in jet turbines. The network nodes will be capable of supporting sensors to monitor environmental variables or actuators for system controls. The nodes will be powered via a magnetically coupled RF energy transmission system. Resonant coupling systems will allow low power sensor nodes to be powered continuously. Actuator nodes will require a capacitive based energy storage system that provides greater amounts of power in short pulses. Communication with the sensor nodes will also necessitate the development of a high temperature transceiver. This transceiver will be based on HTSOI electronics and employ a high temperature microcontroller for data management. This microcontroller will also be used to control the actuators.

Benefit:
The flexibility obtained by being able to locate sensors and actuators anywhere (< 225 °C) in an engine environment will be very valuable to the turbine industry. Engineers will be able to employ this system to quickly make and test design changes. This system will also be useful in health monitoring applications by allow sensor placement without regard to energy harvesting capabilities of the specific location.

Keywords:
High Temperature Electronics, Wireless Power Transfer, Health Monitoring, Wireless Actuator