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Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
A hybridized system leveraging a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell coupled with a fuel-flexible lowemissions Combustor and Turbogenerator has been conceived and will be demonstrated for this project. The integrated SOFCC-TG system exhibits a very high fuel-to-electricity conversion efficiency, best-in-class power density, fast responsiveness to changing conditions, and high-altitude operability - all of which make it a compelling solution for UAVs and Commercial/Private airflight in the 1,500 to 5,000 lb class.
NASA: The proposed system is a compelling candidate technology for multiple NASA applications,including (a) SUSAN (Subsonic Single Aft Engine concept transport aircraft) and SUSAN-derived hybrid electric airframes, (b) Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) on aircraft of any scale,(c) powerplants for hypersonic vehicles, (d) powerplants for vehicles serving the RegionalAir Mobility market. Non-NASA: The proposed system is a compelling candidate technology for multiple non-NASAapplications, including as power systems for (a) UAS in the 1,500 to 5,000 lb class, (b)vehicles serving the Regional Air Mobility market, (c) Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) foraircraft of any scale, (d) stationary, remote, and distributed prime/baseload powerapplications, and (e) hybrid electric ground vehicle range extender applications, amongothers.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
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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