MIcropower

Research that includes: 

  • Photosynthetic fuel cell
  • Surface-tension and osmotic driven micropower sources
  • Silicon-based rotary engine power system
  • Proximity power sensor for energy management

APP82: Feasibility Study of a MEMS Viscous Rotary Engine Power System (VREPS)

Thomas H. Cauley III
2004

In this project an analytic, theoretical and numerical study of the Viscous Rotary Engine Power System (VREPS) is completed. In addition, a proposed process flow for the fabrication of the VRESP using DRIE of silicon is developed. The design premise of the VREPS is to derive mechanical power from the surface viscous shearing forces developed by a pressure driven flow present between a rotating disk or annulus and a stationary housing. The resulting motion of the rotating disk or annulus is converted into electrical power by using an external permanent magnet, embedded nickel-iron...

APP47: MEMS REPS: MEMS Fuel Vapor Delivery by Flow Rectification

Josh Heppner
2004

A MEMS fuel delivery system is to be designed, fabricated, characterized and then integrated into a rotary engine called MEMS REPS.

Project end date: 02/01/05

APP94: Mechanical Analysis of SiC for Use as a High Temperature, Pressurized Micro Reactor

Jonathan Rheaume
2004

A high temperature, pressurized micro reactor is highly desireable for several applications. A study of SiC (silicon carbide) as the structural material was undertaken to determine the suitability of using deposited SiC for reactions such as steam reforming.

Project end date: 02/01/05

APP44: MEMS Rotary Engine Power System / Integrated Generator

Matthew Senesky
2004

The goal of the MEMS REPS Integrated Generator project is to design and fabricate a millimeter-scale electric machine to generate power from the mechanical torque of a liquid hydrocarbon fueled MEMS rotary engine.

Project end date: 02/03/05

APP72: MEMS REPS: Assembly of a MEMS Compressed Air Expander Unit

Jose D. Rosario-Rosario
2005

The objective of this research is to demonstrate power generation at the micro-scale using a compressed air expander. The setup includes a rotor with embedded magnetic poles, spinning inside housing with an integrated functional electricity generator. The means for actuation of the system will be using compressed air as the driving force. The ultimate goal of the demonstration task is to complete and deliver working units to Textron Systems and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Proper assembly techniques are being developed to integrate all the parts that make up...

LWL17: Micromachined Photosynthetic Fuel Cells

Kien-Bang Lam
2005

The project aims to develop micromachined biological photosynthetic fuel cells (uPFC) for two classes of devices: (1) micro-scale mobile sensors and micro communication devices and (2) nano-scale molecular motors such as ATP synthase and myosin. For the first class of devices, the uPFCs are competing technologies to other micro power sources such as micro batteries, micro engines, and thin-film solar cells. However, for the second class, the uPFC is a pioneering effort to engineer power sources for future molecular and biomimetic devices.

Project end date: 08/26/...

APP46: MEMS Rotary Engine Power System / Engine Fabrication

Fabian C. Martinez
2005

The goal of the MEMS REPS / Engine Fabrication is to fabricate a MEMS-scale rotary engine within tolerances predetermined by numerical modeling.

Project end date: 01/07/06

APP43: MEMS Rotary Engine Power System (MEMS REPS)

David Walther
2006

The goal of the MEMS Rotary Engine Power System (MEMS REPS) was designed to be an autonomous, commercially viable, portable power system based on an integrated power generator and rotary internal combustion engine. This engine was designed to generate a continuous power output of 100mW. The design also allows for rapid field implementation in a variety of applications requiring localized power generation in the range of 10-500 mW. Applications include interconnected sensor networks or land warrior power supplies. The MEMS Rotary Engine Power System consisted of several research...

CFP1: Liquid Fueled MEMS Enabled 1.5cc Rotary Engine Power System (REPS)

Andrew Cardes
Bennett Sprague
Sang-won Park
Chris McCoy
David C. Walther
2006

The goal of the 1.5cc Rotary Engine Power System (REPS) project is to develop and fabricate a small-scale portable power generation device capable of producing 50-200W. Power will be generated using a Wankel rotary engine operating with liquid hydrocarbon fuels, allowing for a higher specific energy density than batteries of comparable size. This project also serves as a development platform for a wide range of MEMS sensors and actuators. These system are currently being developed in order to monitor and control the engine, optimizing the device performance and efficiency....

APP67/CFP: Ignition at the Microscale for Miniaturized Internal Combustion Engines

Bennett Sprague
2006

This research project will determine the specific conditions under which fuel-air mixtures may be ignited at the microscale. In a research apparatus specifically designed for this purpose, premixed fuel and air charges will be ignited at various temperatures and pressures by electric spark in the presence of quenching walls. The combination of temperature, pressure, and wall distance will be varied not only to simulate IC engine conditions, but also to explore the fundamental limits of spark ignition in combustion chambers with high surface area to volume ratios. Fuels to be...