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Heat Energy to Light Advanced Conversion and Transmission System
Completed
TRL 4 (started at 2, targeting 4)
Description
Atomos Nuclear and Space Corporation (Atomos) proposes a completely new method of power transmission as coherent infrared (IR) radiation. HELIACTS (Heat Energy to LIght Advanced Conversion and Transmission System) is a novel power generation, transmission and conversion schema that is inherently solid-state and long lived, more efficient and less massive over-all than systems relying on electromechanical energy conversion and electrical transmission. Narrowband emitters allow thermal energy to be converted to coherent IR radiation, which is transmitted via anti-resonant hollow-core fibers to the load, where it can be optimally converted to support specific load requirements.
Benefits
Atomos' HELIACTS system will enable lunar and Mars surface operations at kilowatt to megawatt level. Furthermore, given the superior efficiencies and mass savings, Atomos anticipates potential application in most mass-constrained high-power applications, including solar electric propulsion and nuclear electric propulsion.
Atomos is developing orbital transfer vehicles (OTVs) to reduce the cost of access to space for commercial satellite operators. The technologies developed herein directly relate to efficient and lightweight power generation and distribution systems needed for electric propulsion OTVs. Other applications of HELIACTS include in small mobile power plants, naval power systems, and space-based power.
Details
| Technology area | Aerospace Power and Energy Storage > Power Generation and Energy Conversion > Dynamic Energy Conversion |
| Program | Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR) |
| Lead organization | Atomos Nuclear and Space Corporation, Denver, CO |
| Start date | 2021-05-19 |
| End date | 2021-11-19 |
Project contacts
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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