Power Generation During Buoy Operations

Electrostatic fuel injector technology will provide the Navy a unique opportunity to maximize Pulse Detonation Engine (PDE) wave speed and thrust with minimum cost and complexity. Both SPRAY TRIODE and MEMS mockup (0.5 lbm/sec at <50 psid, with an 8 micron SMD droplet plume and, 2) functional on-off pulsing operability up to 200 Hz with durability inexcess of 600 seconds under nominal PDE operating conditions. Current power requirements to achieve this performance will be less than 10 watts with a total system weight and volume < four pounds and 54 (3x3x6) cubic inches.Phase II will focus onfabrication and demonstration of a flight configured prototype unit. Test and evaluation will include measurements of droplet size and distribution at all operating conditions while exceeding all operational specifications. One complete unit, withadequate spare parts, will be delivered to the Navy to support rigorous test and evaluation in an actual PDE test environment.By providing quantum enhancement of the fuel atomization and mixing processes, and reduction in fuel delivery pressure, theproposed electrostatic atomization technology can revolutionize PDE technology. The ultimate commercial potential of inserting this technology within the aerospace propulsion, power generation, and reciprocating engine industries exceeds the typical SBIRcommercialization scale.