Characterize the operating conditions present in high pressure fuel combustion for power generation in a novel MEMS Viscous Rotary Engine Power System (VREPS). Inside the VREPS, a high pressure fluid adheres to the surface of a hollow cylinder (rotor) and imposes a rotation by means of viscous shear forces. An integrated micro magnetic generator will enable the mechanical to electrical power conversion. The end goal for this part of the project is to provide high pressure combustion effluents in a proper vessel for throttling into a functional VREPS device. Micro-combustion chamber prototypes will be fabricated and tested. Fuel selection will be carefully addressed to ensure high energies while maintaining low soot production rates.
Project end date: 08/26/04