400 W Stirling Convertor for kW-Class Space Power System

SCCAQ Energy, LLC (SCCAQ), in collaboration with Temple University and Infinia Technology Corporation (ITC), is pleased to propose a Stirling Kilopower Innovative Prototype (SKIP) that is ideally suited for use with fission-based Space Nuclear Power Systems (SNPS) and/or Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) systems. SKIP adapts the ongoing development of a 400-W free-piston Stirling (FPS) engine for terrestrial applications to meet NASA needs for SNPS. This proposal is specifically addressed to STTR Topic T3 (Space Power and Energy Storage), with an emphasis on Subtopic T3.01. The proposed effort will be supported by Temple University SEEE lab personnel and will heavily leverage engineering support from Infinia Technology Corporation (ITC). This proposal is based on adapting newly developed 400-W engine at ITC to current NASA needs for an extremely reliable, robust, and high performance space power engine for Kilopower fission thermal conversion, among other potential power system heat sources. The key change that is needed to develop a SKIP demonstration unit is to modify the heater head to be suitable for interface with a space reactor system as a heat source.

The market for the SKIP-specific device will be initially focused on delivery of NASA space power systems.

The technology developed in the proposed SKIP system, however, has potential commercial applicability to the remote power and combined heat and power generator line that ITC/Qnergy is pursuing.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.

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.