SBIR-STTR Award

Florida Turbine Technologies (FTT) is seeking affordable turbo-generator technology combinations that improve Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC) without compromising the reliability, noise, and power-to-weight advantages inherent to turbo-machinery.Recuperation offers 30%-50% reduction in SFC; however, three basic challenge areas of weight, durability, and cost have prevented widespread adoption in production air-born applications.This SBIR proposal outlines a technology plan to develop additively manufactured (AM) thin wall heat exchangers to produce a cost effective, light weight, and durable recuperators for small Unmanned Aerial systems (UAS).The scope of Phase I effort includes the design, manufacturing, and testing of coupons for innovative heat exchanger concepts that will increase durability, while reducing cost and weight of small UAS recuperators beyond the current state of the art.

FTT proposes to design, build, and test an advanced light-weight, low-cost, and durable additively manufactured recuperator.Testing will be first performed in a component rig with similar engine conditions to increase TRL to 5.Following successful completion of the component rig, FTT will mate the recuperator up with a 5KW turbogenerator and run the assembly at FTT Small Engine Test Facility in order to increase TRL to 6.Performance measurements of the additive recuperator and engine assembly will be measured against conventional recuperator data.