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Direct Replacement Ignition Upgrade for Present and Future Combustors and Augmentors
Navy SBIR FY2015.1
| Sol No.: |
Navy SBIR FY2015.1 |
| Topic No.: |
N151-016 |
| Topic Title: |
Direct Replacement Ignition Upgrade for Present and Future Combustors and Augmentors |
| Proposal No.: |
N151-016-0327 |
| Firm: |
Diversified Technologies, Inc.
35 Wiggins Ave.
Bedford, Massachusetts 01730-2345 |
| Contact: |
Gerard DelPriore |
| Phone: |
(781) 275-9444 |
| Abstract: |
An improved means of fuel ignition will extend the operating envelope and, ideally, enable improved performance (and even survivability) of the aircraft. In this SBIR, Diversified Technologies, Inc. (DTI) proposes to apply state-of-the-art solid-state pulsed power technology and devices (including SiC) to the development of an improved ignition technique that is robust and readily retrofittable to existing engines and future aircraft at minimal cost.
The innovative ignition system proposed will operate as a conventional system under normal conditions but will be capable of producing an enhanced ignition kernel (extended duration discharge) under difficult-to-ignite or emergency conditions. The system will be a form-fit-function replacement of existing equipment, easing adoption and certification of this technology.
DTI's strength is its pulsed power expertise; therefore the focus of the SBIR effort will be on the exciter portion of the ignition system. In Phase I, DTI will leverage cutting-edge high frequency switching technology to design and build a flexible research ignition exciter capable of exploring a wide range of electrical parameters. DTI will collaborate closely with Navy personnel and Pratt & Whitney to inform, test, and characterize the performance of the exciter under relevant conditions under the Phase I effort. |
| Benefits: |
The primary market for this technology is the high-performance jet aircraft market (predominantly military) where supersonic speeds, extremely high altitude, and violent maneuvers all create a very wide operating envelope for engine operation, and thus presents the greatest challenges to an ignition system.
Providing a highly adaptable ignition pulse also has potential for commercial aircraft. Specifically, tailoring of the ignition pulse to engine operating conditions has the advantage of reducing ignitor wear and thus maintenance costs. Improved ignition could also contribute to the ongoing challenges of reduced emissions and fuel consumption.
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