Advanced Development for Defense Science and Technology

Johnson Research and Development Co., Inc. (JRD) proposes development of a key component for an innovative, highly efficient heat engine that can operate as a versatile power generator and heat pump for either cooling or heating. The Johnson thermo-electrochemical converter (JTEC) is an innovative all solid state heat engine that operates on the Ericsson cycle (Carnot equivalent) and directly converts heat into electrical energy offering the maximum theoretical efficiency available from a heat engine operating between two temperatures. The high JTEC efficiency is achieved by electrochemical reactions facilitated by isothermal transport of hydrogen, the JTEC working fluid. JTEC efficiency is anticipated to be significant fraction of the ideal Carnot efficiency while still maintaining practical power densities. Successful development of a JTEC critical component would provide revolutionary thermal management and energy conversion capabilities to DoD platforms and weapon systems.