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Completed TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)
This project will transform how waste heat is managed on aircraft by successfully demonstrating a novel NASA patent-pending aircraft waste heat recovery and recycling system. The objective is to remove low grade waste heat that is generated throughout high power composite body aircraft while improving overall vehicle performance.
Electric aircraft, small core turbofans, etc., are increasingly limited in performance due to thermal management challenges. The benefits that could result in 5 to 10 years are up to 16% fuel burn benefit in transport aircraft and it enables a new class of high power electric aircraft propulsion within 10 to 20 years. Additionally, other new classes of aircraft become possible by incorporating integrated small core, tail cone thruster, laminar flow control, and high voltage powertrain for system mass, noise, emissions, and fuel reduction for single-aisle and larger aircraft.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.