Scalable, Solid State, Hybrid Power and Propulsion System

Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) is proposing to develop a fuel-flexible, solid-state hybrid electric power and propulsion (HEPPP) system. We have developed multifunctional, electrochemical cells that efficiently convert energy in liquid fuels to electrical energy. The process-intensified design includes mechanical, thermochemical, electrochemical, and electrical properties. Our design offers structural tolerance to extreme temperatures, thermal cycling, and shock loads and leads to a durable, robust design, and readily scalable architecture. The solution is an outcome of materials and fabrication innovations resulting in significant advance over conventional electrochemical cells. It meets key hybrid electric power and propulsion requirements – fast start, lightweight, compactness, scalability, high efficiency, and fuel-flexibility. We propose to develop and validate a versatile HEPPP system for quick startup and footprint minimization by including innovative advances and capable of meeting the solicitation objectives by pairing the stack with system components to enable low-signature, power generation from JP-8/H2/propane/Sustainable future fuels. In Ph. I, we will experimentally validate component performance and scalability. During Ph. II, we will build on our experience developing advanced SOFC-battery hybrid prototypes to demonstrate HEPPPS in a target application for a common-core power system that can also be tailored to other applications. The low-CO2, SOFC/battery hybrid-electric systems for next generation vehicle and power platforms will offer survivability and lethality advances and improve capability, i.e., longer mission and silent watch duration, reduce operating costs and fuel supply logistics, higher reliability and lower maintenance from minimal moving parts. This will reduce maintenance costs for the main engines since they will no longer be used to provide power for comms, sensors, and weapons. The use of readily sourced materials of construction in our approach is likely to lead to low ownership costs as well.