NASA 1996 STTR Phase I
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Proposal Number:
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960064
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Project Title:
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POWER GENERATOR FOR PLANETARY MISSIONS
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Small Business Concern:
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Hi-Z Technology, Inc.
6373 Nancy Ridge Drive
San Diego CA 92121-2247
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Research Institution:
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Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena CA 91109-8099
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Principal Investigator/Project Manager:
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John C. Bass
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Technical Abstract:
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Hi-Z proposes to complete a preliminary design and heat
transfer optimization of a 42mW thermoelectric generator for
JPL’s Powerstick concept. JPL’s concept can fill the need for
high efficiency, lightweight power systems for planetary
surface missions. The Powerstick concept utilizes a single 1W
RHU as heat source. The design will be based on Hi-Z’s
experience designing and fabricating the 75mW RTGs. In
addition, Hi-Z will design, fabricate and test a prototype
module for the Powerstick, and JPL will provide a heat source
mock-up for the testing. The module for the powerstick is an
upgraded version of the monolithic module technology
successfully used in 75mW and 500mW RTG designs.
Hi-Z will also provide conceptual designs for the complete
Powerstick and for a design utilizing the Martian surface soil
temperature gradient as an alternative heat source. JPL will
contribute to this design in the area of electric power
management and storage.
Beyond space applications, Hi-Z forsees terrestrial
applications of the small thermoelectric module, and Hi-Z is
ready to commercialize the technology.
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Potential Commercial Applications:
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The recent introduction of low-power, low-voltage (3 Volt)
microprocessors presents the need for a small power supply to
operate these systems. The re-introduction of the monolithic
thermoelectric technology, proposed for the Powerstick, will be
able to fill this niche market for small, light weight power
supplies.