SBIR-STTR Award

The main objective of this project is the development of innovative solutions for harvesting heat energy and converting it to electrical energy in supersonic long-range artillery fired precision guided munitions. The generated electrical energy can then be used to power the munition electrically powered components. The proposed novel heat energy harvesting system concepts are based on using thermoelectric generators (TEG) that are designed with structures that allow operation well above the objective of 2000°F with currently available TEGs, while allowing their replacement with more effective thermoelectric materials and cell designs for ZT>2. The proposed concepts are highly innovative and are designed to: (a) apply a high and constant temperature gradient to the TEGs over nearly the entire projectile flight, independent of the projectile surface temperature variations, thereby maximizing the power output; (b) provide a highly reliable source of electrical energy to the munitions; (c) reduce the amount of heat that is transferred into the projectile; and (d) provide a passively operated switching mechanism that allows for the protection of TEGs from overheating. The proposed Phase I efforts include extensive investigation of the thermoelectric materials and the design of TEG cells with the objective of increasing their effectiveness well over ZT>2.