Direct Injection Systems for Small UAV Engines

Baker Engineering Inc. (BEI) will research the use of the CI Fuel Injection System to fulfill the need for heavy fuel delivery in 2-50 Hp compression ignition engines for UAS/UGS applications.Research will focus specifically on the high pressure heavy fuel injector.Under this Phase I, alternate methods of actuation will be researched with the goal of reducing spark-knock while increasing performance and reliability of the new technology.Phase I efforts will focus on discovering methods to improve the high pressure direct injection process, making it appropriate for both reciprocating and rotary UAS engines. The primary technology to be explored involves replacing the hydraulic circuit which generates needle motion with a more efficient direct acting system using a piezoelectric stack actuator. Efforts will include design, computational fluid dynamic analysis, fabrication and initial bench testing of injector actuation methods.Results from Phase I would be incorporated into new injector hardware which would be fabricated and tested during a Phase II program. Lockheed Martin will supplement the effort as a subcontractor.