Electrical power generation for sustained high speed flight

ABSTRACT: The potential of scramjet engines for use by the U.S. military would revolutionize countermeasures enabling rapid responses to global hot spots. The scramjet traveling at hypersonic speed cannot use rotary power typically employed at sub-Mach velocities, while auxiliary power units and batteries add weight, volume, and system complexity. Thus, alternative power sources are sought to aid in longer flight times and for heavier and higher volume vehicles. In this program, RIVIS, RTI, UTRC, and ITC will demonstrate the conversion of"wasted heat"energy of the vehicle generated from achieving hypersonic flight to electric power using thermoelectric devices (TEs) coupled to a compliant thermal interface material (C-TIM). While TEs provide an established technology of merit for power generation, integration with the C-TIM allows for power generation capability to be realized in a ruggedized system. In the Phase II program, RIVIS/ITC will optimize the C-TIM for greater thermal conductivity, lower thermooxidation, and maximum compliance. RTI will expand upon existing TE module designs to maximize the efficiency, power density and ruggedness. We will demonstrate the effectiveness of RTI"s TE power generation devices integrated with the RIVIS C-TIM in UTRC"s atmospheric burner rig, which simulates scramjet thermal conditions, for a 100W power generation prototype. In addition to targeting this increased power, the focus will be placed on integration of the RTI TE modules with the RIVIS C-TIM for a robust ruggedized device that can be scaled to the 100kW power level. BENEFIT: The Scramjet Integrated ThermoElectric Converter (SITEC) will be a ruggedized system that converts unused heat energy into electrical power for hypersonic vehicles. The SITEC may also be employed as a source of clean energy in applications from automobile exhaust to industrial waste heat energy recovery.