SBIR-STTR Award

The proposed project consists of developing a prototype exciter/igniter unit that can operate to a subset of expected flight performance requirements. The main focus of this development effort will be the physical integration of a small, compact exciter with a "flight like" igniter or spark plug. This exciter/igniter prototype will represent the exciter/igniter units used to generate sparks that ignite fuels in engines and propulsion systems. The development of this prototype unit will follow a phased approach covering design, development, analysis, assembly, test and verification. This prototype will represent a "stand alone" integrated unit capable of providing ionizing voltage greater than 20 kV for a spark energy of 45 to 50 mJ at a rate of 200-300 sparks per second. The proposed prototype will integrate both the exciter electronics and an igniter (spark plug) to demonstrate "end-to-end" functionality. Additionally, the integrated unit will be as compact as possible. The implications of the proposed project are for space and weight savings in the overall development of green propulsion systems as applicable to research projects in Exploration Systems and specifically applicable to Topic X9 Propulsion and Propellant Storage.

The proposed Phase 2 project consists of the physical integration of our Phase 1 small, compact exciter with a "flight like" igniter or spark plug capable of hot-fire testing. The exciter/igniter unit will operate to a pre-established subset of expected flight performance requirements established and met in Phase 1. The exciter/igniter unit will physically integrate the exciter electronics with an igniter (spark plug) to demonstrate "end-to-end" functionality capable of providing ionizing voltage greater than 20 kV for a spark energy of 45 to 50 mJ at a rate of 200-300 sparks per second. The exciter is about half the weight and will occupy about half the volume of the current state-of-the-art exciters. The integrated exciter/igniter eliminates the problems associated with long HV cable runs; as long as long as 4 feet, and the potential for erroneous connections. The development of this integrated exciter/igniter unit will follow a phased approach covering design, development, analysis, assembly, test and verification. The implications of the proposed project are for space and weight savings in the overall development of green propulsion systems as applicable to research projects in Exploration Systems and specifically applicable to Topic X9 Propulsion and Propellant Storage.