Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, ASA(ALT), Phase I
Advanced Thermal Management Systems
Topic Objective
The U.S. Army is interested in improving the thermal management system(s) for enhanced cooling and control of aviation systems. The Army would like to explore the utilization of novel thermal management systems for light to medium/heavy duty applications on current enduring rotorcraft and Future Vertical Lift (FVL) platforms.
Description
The U.S. Army is interested in identifying novel approaches for improving the thermal management and efficiency for aviation systems. Current thermal management systems are insufficient for future aviation applications due to high weight, lower heat rejection capabilities, and forced air systems predominately implemented on Army rotorcraft based on 1970’s technology, which has had incremental improvements since. As advancements in power electronics, energy dense batteries, high-power dense electric machinery, small turbine machinery, and power generation units evolve, the thermal management requirements to operate these technologies efficiently, effectively, and safely is increasingly important for aviation implementation. By taking advantage of newer technologies, techniques, and approaches, the U.S. Army is seeking opportunities to explore advanced thermal management solutions for aviation applications that meet size, weight, performance and cost (SWaP-C) requirements.
The following would be accomplished by but not limited to: advanced manufacturing techniques, additive manufacturing, passive/active cooling, fuel cooling applications, innovative heat exchangers and cooling plates, novel rejection techniques and the application of novel materials.
Classified proposals are not accepted under the DoD SBIR Program. In the event DoD Components identify topics that will involve classified work in Phase II, companies invited to submit a proposal must have or be able to obtain the proper facility and personnel clearances in order to perform Phase II work.
Phase I
During Phase I, innovative approaches and enabling technologies, which support the development of thermal management solutions shall be modeled and analyzed. Designs may include simulation models of the key enabling technology benefits and risks over current state of the art cooling technologies. Designs shall seek to improve thermal efficiency and thermal cooling capacity while improving or not compromising SWaP-C requirements. Designs may also consider opportunities to modify existing systems, especially those utilized on Army Aviation platforms today, to achieve effective solutions.
The Army would like to have an understanding of the areas of improvement of current systems in addition to the trade spaces and technology innovations required for an enhanced thermal management system.
A report should be delivered to the Army that documents the design decisions the Army could make when utilizing an innovative thermal management system. If possible, a demo would be desired.
Phase II
During Phase II, the Army would desire working prototypes with simulated aircraft loads and heat dissipating component. Phase II will leverage component and system level knowledge gained from Phase I and build a prototype that integrates with the aircraft.
A laboratory environment would be required to simulate the aircraft architecture. Initial qualification testing and analyses will occur during this phase to reduce risks for meeting Army certification requirements. The Army desires testing performed that would demonstrate the most optimal setup for their thermal management system required for Army rotorcraft.
The final deliverable would be a report with testing and design data that would give the Army a path forward.
Phase III
During Phase III, the Army desires to pursue full qualification of the components and aircraft integration/testing on UH-60 (a medium utility helicopter), AH-64 (an attack helicopter), CH-47 (a heavy-lift helicopter), and/or FVL. Also, it is envisioned that this technology will have applicability to commercial aircraft market.
The final deliverable for this effort would be a qualified thermal management system and solution for Army rotorcraft or the commercial market.
Submission Information
To submit full proposal packages, and for more information, visit the DSIP Portal.
References:
MIL-STD-704 RTCA/DO160 MIL-STD-461
Topic Objective
The U.S. Army is interested in improving the thermal management system(s) for enhanced cooling and control of aviation systems. The Army would like to explore the utilization of novel thermal management systems for light to medium/heavy duty applications on current enduring rotorcraft and Future Vertical Lift (FVL) platforms.
Description
The U.S. Army is interested in identifying novel approaches for improving the thermal management and efficiency for aviation systems. Current thermal management systems are insufficient for future aviation applications due to high weight, lower heat rejection capabilities, and forced air systems predominately implemented on Army rotorcraft based on 1970’s technology, which has had incremental improvements since. As advancements in power electronics, energy dense batteries, high-power dense electric machinery, small turbine machinery, and power generation units evolve, the thermal management requirements to operate these technologies efficiently, effectively, and safely is increasingly important for aviation implementation. By taking advantage of newer technologies, techniques, and approaches, the U.S. Army is seeking opportunities to explore advanced thermal management solutions for aviation applications that meet size, weight, performance and cost (SWaP-C) requirements.
The following would be accomplished by but not limited to: advanced manufacturing techniques, additive manufacturing, passive/active cooling, fuel cooling applications, innovative heat exchangers and cooling plates, novel rejection techniques and the application of novel materials.
Classified proposals are not accepted under the DoD SBIR Program. In the event DoD Components identify topics that will involve classified work in Phase II, companies invited to submit a proposal must have or be able to obtain the proper facility and personnel clearances in order to perform Phase II work.
Phase I
During Phase I, innovative approaches and enabling technologies, which support the development of thermal management solutions shall be modeled and analyzed. Designs may include simulation models of the key enabling technology benefits and risks over current state of the art cooling technologies. Designs shall seek to improve thermal efficiency and thermal cooling capacity while improving or not compromising SWaP-C requirements. Designs may also consider opportunities to modify existing systems, especially those utilized on Army Aviation platforms today, to achieve effective solutions.
The Army would like to have an understanding of the areas of improvement of current systems in addition to the trade spaces and technology innovations required for an enhanced thermal management system.
A report should be delivered to the Army that documents the design decisions the Army could make when utilizing an innovative thermal management system. If possible, a demo would be desired.
Phase II
During Phase II, the Army would desire working prototypes with simulated aircraft loads and heat dissipating component. Phase II will leverage component and system level knowledge gained from Phase I and build a prototype that integrates with the aircraft.
A laboratory environment would be required to simulate the aircraft architecture. Initial qualification testing and analyses will occur during this phase to reduce risks for meeting Army certification requirements. The Army desires testing performed that would demonstrate the most optimal setup for their thermal management system required for Army rotorcraft.
The final deliverable would be a report with testing and design data that would give the Army a path forward.
Phase III
During Phase III, the Army desires to pursue full qualification of the components and aircraft integration/testing on UH-60 (a medium utility helicopter), AH-64 (an attack helicopter), CH-47 (a heavy-lift helicopter), and/or FVL. Also, it is envisioned that this technology will have applicability to commercial aircraft market.
The final deliverable for this effort would be a qualified thermal management system and solution for Army rotorcraft or the commercial market.
Submission Information
To submit full proposal packages, and for more information, visit the DSIP Portal.
References:
MIL-STD-704 RTCA/DO160 MIL-STD-461