Development of Micro JP-8 Fuel Injection System for Small Unmanned Aerial and Ground Engines

Baker Engineering (BEI) proposes continued development of the Miniature CI Fuel Injection System to fulfill the need for heavy fuel delivery in 3-70 Hp compression ignition engines. BEIs Phase 1 effort will focus on the systems most critical system element, the fuel injector nozzle. Specifically, nozzle design, predictive analysis and manufacturing research will be conducted to achieve the required operational specifications. Spray patterns, spray trajectory, penetration and charge preparation all play critical roles in heavy fuel delivery in small compression ignition engines. Manufacturing methods for small fuel orifices will be analyzed for feasibility and attainable tolerances. Fuel orifices down to 37 micrometers are targeted within this effort. This effort will provide the foundation for development of working prototype injectors to be tested during Phase II. The electronically-controlled CI Fuel Injection System is made up of three key components: the fuel injector, fuel pump and a small engine control unit. Prior development has proven system operation. The newly developed system currently stands at a TRL 6. This goal of this SBIR program will be to achieve a TRL 7 by the end of the Phase II contract.