2320804
Project Grant
Overview
Grant Description
SBIR Phase I: Ammonia and Syngas Impurity Tolerance for High Temperature - Proton Exchange Membrane (HT-PEM) Fuel Cells -
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is the development of a fuel-flexible, high-temperature proton exchange membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell that can operate on two carbon-free fuels: ammonia and syngas, both produced from waste biomass.
The fuel-flexible HT-PEM fuel cell is uniquely suited for rapid adoption as a complete system that can run on a variety of fuels with only minor modifications to its fuel reformer design.
The initial market for this technology is small to mid-sized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and these were valued at $1.1 billion in 2020 (expected to grow 240% by 2029). Due to the stringent weight and durability requirements in the UAV market, adoption of this technology in mobile and stationary power applications including backup power, marine power, and remote power generation is anticipated.
Investigation of these fuel/technology combinations have not been widely researched and will contribute to the displacement of fossil fuel combustion technologies, lead to increased economic competitiveness of the United States, and support the national defense.
The intellectual merit of this project stems from the HT-PEM fuel cells' ability to run on a diverse set of upfront fuel sources with only minor modification of the final assembled system, while still providing the key attributes required in most applications.
For widespread adoption of new electricity generating devices, remaining fuel agnostic is a key technological trait, as proven by the enduring success of the internal combustion engine. The HT-PEM fuel cell can serve as a similar core technology, contributing to the global transition from fossil fuels.
Nevertheless, there exists minimal research when operating a HT-PEM fuel cell on reformed ammonia and syngas generated from waste biomass, two popular renewable fuels expected to be widely used during this transition.
The key question for this research is: what is the maximum concentration of impurities commonly found in reformed ammonia and syngas that will still allow a HT-PEM fuel cell to be technically and commercially viable?
The key objectives are to outline the HT-PEM fuel cell performance while operating on ever increasing contaminant levels and identify the stop-loss mechanisms.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. - Subawards are planned for this award.
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is the development of a fuel-flexible, high-temperature proton exchange membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell that can operate on two carbon-free fuels: ammonia and syngas, both produced from waste biomass.
The fuel-flexible HT-PEM fuel cell is uniquely suited for rapid adoption as a complete system that can run on a variety of fuels with only minor modifications to its fuel reformer design.
The initial market for this technology is small to mid-sized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and these were valued at $1.1 billion in 2020 (expected to grow 240% by 2029). Due to the stringent weight and durability requirements in the UAV market, adoption of this technology in mobile and stationary power applications including backup power, marine power, and remote power generation is anticipated.
Investigation of these fuel/technology combinations have not been widely researched and will contribute to the displacement of fossil fuel combustion technologies, lead to increased economic competitiveness of the United States, and support the national defense.
The intellectual merit of this project stems from the HT-PEM fuel cells' ability to run on a diverse set of upfront fuel sources with only minor modification of the final assembled system, while still providing the key attributes required in most applications.
For widespread adoption of new electricity generating devices, remaining fuel agnostic is a key technological trait, as proven by the enduring success of the internal combustion engine. The HT-PEM fuel cell can serve as a similar core technology, contributing to the global transition from fossil fuels.
Nevertheless, there exists minimal research when operating a HT-PEM fuel cell on reformed ammonia and syngas generated from waste biomass, two popular renewable fuels expected to be widely used during this transition.
The key question for this research is: what is the maximum concentration of impurities commonly found in reformed ammonia and syngas that will still allow a HT-PEM fuel cell to be technically and commercially viable?
The key objectives are to outline the HT-PEM fuel cell performance while operating on ever increasing contaminant levels and identify the stop-loss mechanisms.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. - Subawards are planned for this award.
Awardee
Funding Goals
THE GOAL OF THIS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY, "NSF SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR)/ SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER (STTR) PROGRAMS PHASE I", IS IDENTIFIED IN THE LINK: HTTPS://WWW.NSF.GOV/PUBLICATIONS/PUB_SUMM.JSP?ODS_KEY=NSF23515
Grant Program (CFDA)
Awarding / Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Pittsford,
New York
14534-3664
United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Falcon Fuel Cells was awarded
Project Grant 2320804
worth $274,310
from National Science Foundation in September 2023 with work to be completed primarily in Pittsford New York United States.
The grant
has a duration of 1 year and
was awarded through assistance program 47.084 NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships.
The Project Grant was awarded through grant opportunity NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Programs.
SBIR Details
Research Type
SBIR Phase I
Title
SBIR Phase I:Ammonia and Syngas Impurity Tolerance for High Temperature - Proton Exchange Membrane (HT-PEM) Fuel Cells
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is the development of a fuel-flexible, high-temperature proton exchange membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell that can operate on two carbon-free fuels: ammonia and syngas, both produced from waste biomass. The fuel-flexible HT-PEM fuel cell is uniquely suited for rapid adoption as a complete system that can run on a variety of fuels with only minor modifications to its fuel reformer design. The initial market for this technology is small to mid-sized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and these were valued at $1.1 billion in 2020 (expected to grow 240% by 2029). Due to the stringent weight and durability requirements in the UAV market, adoption of this technology in mobile and stationary power applications including backup power, marine power, and remote power generation is anticipated. Investigation of these fuel/technology combinations have not been widely researched and will contribute to the displacement of fossil fuel combustion technologies, lead to increased economic competitiveness of the United States, and support the national defense._x000D_ _x000D_ The intellectual merit of this project stems from the HT-PEM fuel cells' ability to run on a diverse set of upfront fuel sources with only minor modification of the final assembled system, while still providing the key attributes required in most applications. For widespread adoption of new electricity generating devices, remaining fuel agnostic is a key technological trait, as proven by the enduring success of the internal combustion engine. The HT-PEM fuel cell can serve as a similar core technology, contributing to the global transition from fossil fuels. Nevertheless, there exists minimal research when operating a HT-PEM fuel cell on reformed ammonia and syngas generated from waste biomass, two popular renewable fuels expected to be widely used during this transition. The key question for this research is: what is the maximum concentration of impurities commonly found in reformed ammonia and syngas that will still allow a HT-PEM fuel cell to be technically and commercially viable? The key objectives are to outline the HT-PEM fuel cell performance while operating on ever increasing contaminant levels and identify the stop-loss mechanisms._x000D_ _x000D_ This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Topic Code
EN
Solicitation Number
NSF 23-515
Status
(Complete)
Last Modified 9/22/23
Period of Performance
9/15/23
Start Date
8/31/24
End Date
Funding Split
$274.3K
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$274.3K
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
2320804
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
SAI EXEMPT
Awardee Classifications
Small Business
Awarding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Funding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Awardee UEI
C3WWSG7MRKD7
Awardee CAGE
8R1C6
Performance District
NY-25
Senators
Kirsten Gillibrand
Charles Schumer
Charles Schumer
Budget Funding
| Federal Account | Budget Subfunction | Object Class | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research and Related Activities, National Science Foundation (049-0100) | General science and basic research | Grants, subsidies, and contributions (41.0) | $274,310 | 100% |
Modified: 9/22/23