Small Engines Designed for High Efficiency, High Power Density and Quiet Operations

The overall objective of the Phase I and Phase II proposed effort is to develop the crucial oil-free, high-speed power generation system technologies that will make a suite of small modular engines for power and propulsion having thermal efficiency greater than 25% and power density greater than 1 HP/lb. possible. The overall goal is an integrated, compact, and oil-free prototype 8-12 kW turbogenerator system. MiTi®’s key contributions to this development effort are our oil-free high-speed system development expertise, foil bearing technology, and demonstrated ability to integrate foil bearing and high speed motor/generator spindles. Under Phase I, MiTi will establish the preliminary system design that integrates our existing 12 kW/120,000 rpm motor/generator with a state of the art turbojet engine modified to operate on foil bearings. MiTi® will also conduct a proof test of the coupled turbo-generator to demonstrate system feasibility. This preliminary design and test data will provide the impetus and justification for the Phase II detailed system integration design, fabrication and test of a prototype oil-free turbogenerator.