High-Efficiency Solid Oxide Fuel Cell / Turbogenerator Hybrid Electric Propulsion System

A robust tubular-form-factor Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) is close-coupled to proven Turbo-Generator (TG) technology, resulting in a fuel-flexible hybrid powerplant (SOFCC-TG) that provides a transformational shift in propulsion efficiency with dramatically reduced emissions. The propulsion system reduces the fuel usage by more than 50% - thereby reducing carbon emissions by 50% for traditional fuels, >60% reduction for liquified natural gas, or zero emissions for carbonless fuels.2. This represents a 22% reduction in operating cost for airlines due to fuel savings. Therefore, the SOFCC-TG not only reduces and eliminates emissions, but it is also economically competitive in reducing the cost of flight. In Phase 1 of this program the low emissions and fuel flexible characteristics of the turbo-generator were demonstrated, and an integrated model was developed and exercised to provide mission-profile specific estimate of the overall system performance and relative benefit as compared to incumbent and emerging airframe propulsion technologies. In Phase 2 the integrated SOFCC-TG system will be assembled and tested to validate its performance.

The SOFCC-TG powerplant being developed specifically targets NASA's Urban Air Mobility (UAM) market, with the design being tailored for the prescribed UAM mission profiles with incorporated VTOL capabilities. Additionally, this system is well-suited for eventual integration within NASA's Subsonic Single Aft Engine (SUSAN) aircraft, and in the nearer-term is an ideal candidate for use in NASA's 1/4-scale SUSAN aircraft demonstrator. This technology is an attractive option for UAS applications, and the team has been in partnering and commercialization discussions with US-based defense contractors who are submitting letters of support and/or commitment to this proposal. The team is also discussing future collaborations with other potential commercial partners, including those targeting personal and cargo air transport applications and ammonia-fueled maritime applications.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.