U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY                           

                          SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PROGRAM

AND

SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAM                

                        FY 2005 PHASE I -  AWARDS BY TOPIC               

TOPIC:  ADVANCED POWER ELECTRONICS FOR ENERGY STORAGE, TRANSMISSION, AND DISTRIBUTION APPLICATIONS                                          

 Research Institution: University of Tennessee at Knoxville                                 

 This project proposes to develop a Silicon Carbide power conversion device that offers high energy efficiency, compact size and light weight  resulting in improved system operation and competitiveness in the market.

Arkansas Power Electronics                                          Very High Temperature (400+ C), High

     International, Inc.                                                      Power Density Silicon Carbide (SiC)

700 Research Center Boulevard                                     Power Electronic Converters                              

Fayetteville,  AR  72701                                                                                                                                          

This proposal covers development of electronic systems that may have the capability to operate with stability in extreme environments where standard silicon electronics fail.  If successful, this would result in the ability to make more reliable, smaller, lighter, and more efficient power converters which may be employed in nearly every electronic system in the world.
                                                                           

 Peregrine Power, LLC                                                 Universal Converter Using Silicon  

  27350 SW 95th Avenue                                             Carbide                            

 Suite 3030                                                                  

 Wilsonville, OR  97070                                                     

This project proposes a wind turbine blade monitoring system composed of fiber optic sensors and software developed for sonar. The proposed system may increase viability and use of wind energy, and reduce dependence on oil and gas.                                                                                     

SatCon Technology Corporation                                   High-Power Silicon Carbide Inverter

27 Drydock Avenue                                                      Design                             

Boston, MA  02210-2377                                                     

Both the current size of energy storage elements and waste heat from silicon power semiconductors limit the development of smaller, lighter and more efficient electronic products. This project proposes to overcome these barriers with a new silicon carbide semiconductor technology, promising a major advance in power electronics and the wide array of electronic products containing them.

TOPIC:  SENSORS FOR REAL-TIME MONITORING OF TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION LINES                                                             

FieldMetrics Inc                                                           Modular, Potential-Powered Voltage 

13352 82nd Ave.                                                         Monitor and Diagnostics Platform   

Seminole, FL  33776-3126                                           

An electric grid powered voltage monitor is proposed in this project as the basis for a new low-cost sensor system for widespread electric grid use to improve efficiency and reliability of transmission lines. This technology can provide a powered location for additional future sensors pertinent to homeland and energy security.

MesoScribe Technologies, Inc.                                     Ubiquitous Low-Cost Wireless Sensors

25 Health Sciences Drive                                              for Power Line Monitoring          

Suite 125                                                                  

Stony Brook, NY   11790

The U.S. power grid is a complex network of distribution cables which are often remotely located and susceptible to environmental and man-made events.  This project aims to develop low-cost, wireless sensors that monitor the power line and provide electronic information to a central system for continuous monitoring for the purpose of improving the reliability and economic efficiency of the power transmission and distribution grid. 

Promethean Devices                                                     Novel, Low-Cost, Non-Contact, High 

9896 Old Charlotte Highway                                        Accuracy Sensor for the             

Fort Mill, SC   29715                                                   Simultaneous, Reliable, Real-time  

                                                                                    Determination and Monitoring of HV 

                                                                                    Transmission Line Sag, Temperature,

                                                                                    Current, and Ampacity.             

This project proposes to develop a low-cost, non-contact electric transmission line sensor that may help to significantly reduce costly, reliability-reducing U.S. transmission grid bottlenecks and congestion.  The sensor may enhance the performance, efficiency, and lifetime of the grid, while reducing the frequency, magnitude, extent, duration, and cost of grid disturbances and blackouts.

USI                                                                               Low Cost Sensors for Real Time     

86 Business Park Drive                                                 Monitoring of Overhead Transmission

Suite 109                                                                       Lines                              

Armonk, NY  10504     

This project proposes to develop a next generation sensor for overhead transmission lines. The low-cost sensor is designed to provide early warning of potential problems to reduce the likelihood of wide-area blackouts.

  TOPIC:  ATMOSPHERIC MEASUREMENT TECHNOLOGY                                 

Aculight Corporation                                                   Ultrasensitive Detection of Aerosol

11805 North Creek Pkwy S                                        Precursors Including Ammonia       

Suite 113                                                                    

Bothell, WA   98011-8803                                            

Aculight Corporation and Rice University will collaborate in developing an ultra-sensitive gas detection instrument which may enable improved measurements of atmospheric gases for Department of Energy investigations of climate change.  

Aerodyne Research, Inc.                                            Innovative Aerosol Collector for   

45 Manning Road                                                      On-Line Analysis of Individual     

Billerica, MA   01821-3976                                       Particulate Organics              

This project will develop the first instrument capable of real-time analysis of airborne aerosol particles known to generate health problems, acid rain and poor visibility.  The instrument should be low cost and economical to operate.

Aerodyne Research, Inc.                                             Characterization of Carbonaceous   

45 Manning Road                                                        Particles:  Aerosol Mass           

Billerica, MA   01821-3976                                        Spectrometry and Light Scattering  

Small airborne particles generated from energy-related activities can adversely impact visibility, "acid rain," global climate, and human health.  This project proposes to develop an instrument with unique capabilities for measuring organic particulate matter, including real-time measurements of particle size, chemical composition, and light scattering properties.

Aerosol Dynamics, Inc.                                                A Couette-Taylor Size Classifier for

935 Grayson Street                                                      Coarse, Airborne Particles         

Berkeley, CA   94710                                                         

Airborne particles significantly influence cloud cover and affect climate; and yet accurate measurements of particle size and water vapor interactions are critical to understanding these effects. This project seeks to develop an instrument to measure these two parameters for particles larger than 0.5um in diameter.

Research Institution: The Regents University of California              

Airborne particles (including particulate organic matter) significantly influence cloud cover and affect climate; and yet these organic particles and their sources, their atmospheric transformation and their radiative effects are least understood.  This project seeks to develop an instrument to better resolve the organic material in these small particles to better understand their sources and their influence on global climate. 

Research Institution: Battelle, Pacific Northwest Division                           

This project proposes to develop advanced air sampling and measurement technology for analyzing organic particles and vapors in the air so that effective pollutant control strategies can be evaluated.

Physical Optics Corporation                                            Near-Infrared Bragg-Grating Skylight

Photonic Systems Division                                               Analyzer                           

20600 Gramercy Place, Building 100                                         

Torrance, CA   90501-1821                                           

High-resolution, light-spectrum-analyzers can collect information about the distribution of scattering and absorbing materials and gases in the atmosphere. The proposed cost-effective, sky-light-analyzer may be deployed widely for atmospheric absorption measuring instruments to extract reliable data for environmental monitoring.  

Southwest Sciences, Inc.                                              Open Path, Aircraft-Based Ammonia  

1570 Pacheco Street                                                    Instrument using a Quantum Cascade 

Suite E-11                                                                    Laser and Singular Valued          

Santa Fe, NM   87505-3993                                        Decomposition Algorithms           

Aerosol particles greatly complicate the understanding and prediction of global climate change, and ammonia helps aerosols form and grow.  This project seeks to build a fast and accurate instrument to measure ammonia in order to help better understand the role of aerosol particles in global climate change.

        TOPIC:  MEDICAL SCIENCES                                                   

BioFlexis, LLC                                                         Molecular Radiotherapy of Estrogen 

11000 Cedar Avenue                                               Receptor Positive Tumors           

Suite 260                                                                    

Cleveland, OH   44106                                                 

This project is for the development of novel small molecule radiopharmaceuticals for tumor targeted radiation therapy of breast and other estrogen receptor positive cancers. 

Illuminex Corporation                                               Nanowire Optical Assay Probe        

627 Conestoga Boulevard                                                     

Lancaster, PA   17602                                                        

The applicant proposes to develop a portable, highly sensitive, easy to use, and cost effective medical diagnostics system that utilizes unique features of nanotechnology. The system is based on a miniauture optical probe that may be configured to sense a wide range of human health indicators ranging from cancer to infectious diseases to drugs of abuse. 

Lynntech, Inc.                                                           Separation of Y-86 in One-Step     

7607 Eastmark Drive                                                Method for PET                     

Suite 102                                                                   

College Station, TX   77840-4027                                             

An isotope of yetrium, Y-86, has proven value for PET scans to evaluate the biodistribution of radioactive pharmaceuticals before and during therapy.  A routine production method of the isotope will be achieved by using an efficient separation method to purify the cyclotron-produced yetrium isotope from a strontium target.  

Lynntech, Inc.                                                           Automated Synthesis Module for     

7607 Eastmark Drive                                                Labeling Peptides with Fluorine-18 

Suite 102                                                                    

College Station, TX   77840-4027                                 

This project proposes to develop an automated system for easy and efficient preparation of positron-emission-tomography (PET) radio-pharmaceuticals.  These radio-pharmaceuticals hold enormous clinical potential to quantitatively detect and characterize a wide variety of human diseases.    

Research Institution: Oak Ridge National Laboratory                                                                                         

Carbon nanofiber concentration of a fluoride ion may perform one step concentration and organic phase transfer 10 times greater than current approaches.   The device may eliminate a barrier to using high speed microfluidic synthesis of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) biomarkers, thereby reducing time and cost of developing and delivering PET radiolabled compounds to consumers.                                                   

NanoTek, LLC                                                                Rapid Microfluidic Production of   

217 FenceRail Gap                                                          Multiple PET Biomarkers            

Walland, TN   37886-2510                                            

The Department of Energy has expressed a need for novel probes for biomedical applications as well as radio tracers for functional molecular imaging.  This project seeks to develop a high speed instrument to enable medical research and analysis and strengthen the US leadership in molecular medicine and biotechnology.

Physical Sciences, Inc.                                                       Novel Raman Probes for Intracellular

20 New England Business Center                                    Spectroscopy of Signaling Pathways 

Andover, MA   01810-1077                                          

The proposed probes may visualize the internal communication pathways of living cells at an unprecedented level of detail.  This new capability may accelerate the development of new drugs and medical diagnostics.

Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.                                   A Very High Spatial Resolution     

44 Hunt Street                                                                  Detector for Small Animal PET      

Watertown, MA   02472 -4699                                                  

The proposed research will investigate a promising radiation detector that may have a major impact in drug development and advancing human disease models.  The new detector may also be applicable in homeland security, well-logging and industrial applications.  

Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.                                   High Efficiency, Low Cost          

44 Hunt Street                                                                  Scintillators for PET               

Watertown, MA   02472 -4699                                                  

This SBIR research project proposes to investigate two promising nuclear detector materials which may have a major impact in medical imaging, physics, scientific studies, and commercial applications.

Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.                                   A New Scintillator for             

44 Hunt Street                                                                 Time-of-Flight PET                 

Watertown, MA   02472 -4699                                                  

The proposed research will investigate a promising radiation detector that may have major impacts in medical imaging, homeland security, well-logging, and industrial applications.

TOPIC:  GENOMICS: GENOMES TO LIFE AND RELATED BIOTECHNOLOGIES              

Callida Genomics Inc.                                                      Universal Probe Reagents for       

675 Almanor Ave                                                             Detection and Quantitation of RNA  

Sunnyvale, CA   94085                                                    Splicing                            

Universal genetic analysis chemicals may provide comprehensive, specific and cost-effective detection of genetic variations for medical diagnostic, industrial and research applications. This project proposes to develop universal libraries of chemicals and software for detecting any splice gene variant of any gene in any organism.

CytoDesign, Inc.                                                              Recombinant Proteome Expression and

4003 Scripps Avenue                                                      Antibody Selection                 

Palo Alto, CA   94306-4535                                                    

This project proposes tools for the analysis of how the protein products of the genes of all organisms carry out life processes.  From these analyses new products for the diagnosis and treatment of human, animal, and plant diseases may emerge.

FemtoGen                                                                       High Throughput                     

P.O. Box 3747                                                                Microcantilever-Based Detection of 

Ballwin, MO   63022-3747                                             Antigen-Antibody Binding           

This project is to demonstrate using two different antigen/antibody systems that the high throughput microcantilever detection system can be applied to the detection of proteins.   

Genomatica, Inc.                                                             Integrated Computational and       

5405 Morehouse Drive                                                    Experimental Approaches to         

Suite 210                                                                         Facilitated Model Development      

San Diego, CA   92121                                                        

The technologies developed in this project seek to enable the rapid development of computer representations of microorganisms that are important for the Department of Energy’s missions and the biotechnology industry. These representations may be used to design more efficient processes for bioremediation, alternative energy generation, and industrial biochemical production.

Physical Optics, Photonic Systems                                   Membrane Nano-fragment Preparation 

     Division                                                                      Technology                         

20600 Gramercy Place                                                        

Building 100                                                               

Torrance, CA   90501-1821                                                    

This technology proposes to isolate membrane proteins while preserving their innate lipid bilayers.  If successful, this may be an invaluable tool for cell research and drug development, and thereby contribute to public and individual health.

TransMembrane Biosciences                                           Prototype of a Novel Membrane      

145 N. Sierra Madre                                                       Protein Expression System for Very 

Suite # 5                                                                          Large Scale and Economical          

Pasadena, CA   91107                                                    Production of Membrane Proteins    

This project will develop a membrane protein expression system for research endeavors where current expression systems are not effective.  The system should find use in large-scale production of medicinally important membrane proteins crucial to structure-based drug design, and the advancement structural genomics.

 TOPIC:  MEASUREMENT/MONITORING AND CHARACTERIZATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE   

                 SUBSURFACE ENVIRONMENT                                              

4th Wave Imaging Corporation                                        Time-Lapse 3D GPR Characterization 

16A Journey                                                                     and Monitoring of Near-Surface     

Suite 200                                                                         Groundwater and Contaminant Flows  

Aliso Viejo, CA   92656-9786                                                  

The nation's groundwater supply faces serious threats of contamination, resulting in a large associated cleanup cost.  This project proposes to address this issue by characterization and monitoring groundwater contaminants using novel ground penetrating radar imaging technology.

EIC Laboratories, Inc.                                                     A Fiber Optic Multipass Raman Probe

111 Downey Street                                                         and Instrumentation for Monitoring 

Norwood, MA  02062-2612                                           Flammable Gases in High Level Waste

This project proposes a sensitive monitoring instrument for detecting the hazardous buildup of flammable gases in the tank air space of nuclear waste storage tanks, as a detector for alarm systems.

Research Institution: Lawrence Berkeley National  Laboratory                                                                                

 A user-friendly software will be developed to utilize state-of-the-art computer techniques to coherently integrate interpretations of geophysical information with conventional data for characterizing the subsurface condition at contaminated sites.  The techniques allow more efficient and cost-effective remediation systems to be designed to expedite the cleanup and restoration of contaminated sites. 

Los Gatos Research                                                         Novel Fiber Sensors for Contaminant

67 East Evelyn Avenue                                                     Monitoring Applications            

Suite 3                                                                     

Mountain View, CA   94041-1518                                                

Department of Energy laboratories need new technologies for long-term and continuous monitoring of contaminant gases or liquids.  The proposed novel fiber sensor may provide the required sensitivity level and is compact in size.

 Luna Innovations Incorporated                                        High Resolution Acoustic Solute    

 2851 Commerce Street                                                   Transport Sensor                   

 Blacksburg, VA   24060-6657                                                  

This SBIR project proposes to enable a new class of groundwater, flow monitoring instruments that may allow for cost-effective, direct determination of the impact of events on subsurface water flow.  The systems can be left in place or moved about to answer critical questions that currently are barriers to informed action.

Multi-Phase Technologies, LLC                                       An Ultra-Precise System for         

310 Rebecca Drive                                                          Electrical Resistivity Tomography  

Sparks, NV  89436                                                         Measurements                       

This proposal seeks to improve geophysical imaging for assessment of site closure, long-term monitoring and remediation of ‘contained’ waste sites, as well as characterizing shallow subsurface water flow including movement of dissolved or suspended chemicals at sensitive sites. This project proposes improvements that may provide a significant increase in the precision of this technique.

Nevada Nanotech Systems, Inc.                                      Soil and Subsurface Contaminant    

695 Sierra Rose Drive                                                     Sensor System Based on Self-Sensed 

Reno, NV  89511                                                           Microcantilever Arrays             

The project proposes to demonstrate mercury vapor detection in the ground using a novel, compact sensor array.

 Radiant Detector Technologies, LLC                              Portable Dual Probe XRF and        

 19355 Business Center Drive                                         Gamma-Ray Analyzer for Environmental

 Suite 9                                                                           Contamination Monitoring           

 Northridge, CA  91324-3576     

This project proposes to develop a highly sensitive and efficient portable device for sensing soil contaminants, including harzadous metals and radionuclides.  This technology may significantly reduce cost and turnaroud, and improve accuracy and reliability of the results.

Southwest Sciences, Inc.                                                 Multigas Sensor for Waste Monitoring

1570 Pacheco Street                                                        

Suite E-11                                                                 

Santa Fe, NM  87505-3993                                                    

Safe operation of legacy nuclear waste disposal sites requires continuous monitoring of hazardous gases.  This project will investigate a method to monitor multiple gases using a single laser, resulting in lower cost and more compact instrumentation.

 Vista Photonics, Inc.                                                        In Situ Optical Monitor for Waste  

 67 Condesa Road                                                           Tank Gases                         

 Santa Fe, NM  87508-8136                                                   

Long-term environmental risk-assessment of waste storage tanks requires continuous monitoring of gaseous species in the headspace.  The proposed optical sensor will provide continuous detection of multiple important gases in a rugged, inexpensive package.

X-Ray Optical Systems, Inc.                                            A Compact WDXRF Analyzer for       

15 Tech Valley Drive                                                       Real-Time Monitoring of Heavy Metal

East Greenbush, NY  12061                                            Contaminants                       

A compact x-ray analyzer with high detection sensitivity is proposed using advanced x-ray optics technology. This field-deployable instrument may allow automatic real-time measurements and monitoring of heavy metal contaminants in Department of Energy facilities.

TOPIC:  BIOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR REDUCING ATMOSPHERIC     

                 CARBON DIOXIDE                                                     

GVD Corporation                                                           A High-Throughput Assay for        

19 Blackstone St.                                                            Microbe-Based Hydrogen Production  

Suite 1                                                                    

Cambridge, MA  02139                                                      

Certain algae and bacteria help convert sunlight directly into hydrogen, and could turn out to be the most efficient and cleanest source of energy in the hydrogen economy. This SBIR project’s goal is to develop an instrument to quickly and accurately identify microbes which are producing hydrogen, allowing researchers to harvest candidate organisms many times faster than previously possible.

TOPIC:  CARBON CYCLE MEASUREMENTS OF THE ATMOSPHERE AND THE BIOSPHERE      

Atmospheric Observing Systems, Inc.                             Vertically Integrated Measuring and

1930 Central Ave                                                           Monitoring Instrumentation for     

Suite A                                                                           Terrestrial Sinks and Sources of   

Boulder, CO  80301                                                      Carbon Dioxide                     

A major objective of the Climate Change Technology Program is to scale accurate observations of carbon dioxide from a few intensely studied ecosystems to related ecosystems worldwide. This project proposes to develop a lean instrument and observation strategy for a coherent system of measuring and monitoring.

Atmospheric Observing Systems, Inc.                             Expendable Probes for Carbon Dioxide

1930 Central Ave                                                            

Suite A                                                                    

Boulder, CO  80301                                                        

This project proposes to develop an inexpensive probe for carbon dioxide gas that may be used to for a wide range of environmental studies where moderate accuracy and precision suffice. Emphasis is on large numbers of disposable probes that may be deployed strategically to monitor Earth's climate from the land, air, and sea.

 Atmospheric Observing Systems, Inc.                              A System of Observation, Analysis  

 1930 Central Ave                                                            and Verification for the Stable    

 Suite A                                                                            Isotopes of Carbon Dioxide         

 Boulder, CO  80301                                                        

AOS is proposing an observational and technological program to quantify the isotopic ratio of carbon dioxide in air sampled from terrestrial ecosystems. The result will be improved understanding of the interplay among the various elements of the global carbon cycle and of the response of carbon sequestration to climate change.

 Campbell Scientific, Inc.                                                  Development of a Fourier-Transform 

 815 W 1800 N                                                               Infrared Gas Analyzer to Measure   

 Logan, UT  84321                                                          Carbon Isotopes of CO₂                       

Although burning oil, gas, and coal releases carbon dioxide into our atmosphere, there are natural biological processes that re-capture some of this carbon dioxide. This project proposes to develop an instrument for scientists to better understand these beneficial processes.

LI-COR Biosciences                                                       A Laser-based Instrument Platform  

4421 Superior Street                                                       for Measuring Methane and Other    

Lincoln, NE  68504-1395                                               Trace Gases                

This project proposes to develop an economical, robust, and reliable methane gas analyzer capable of long-term measurements in remote areas for global climate change research. 

Los Gatos Research                                                        Multi-species Isotopic Carbon Flux 

67 East Evelyn Avenue                                                    Instrument                         

Suite 3                                                                     

Mountain View, CA  94041-1518                                              

This project seeks to measure carbon-containing gases with better speed, accuracy and precision. The instrument may be used to study the environment (to measure carbon generating sources),  for medical applications (including the detection of common diseases), and industrial processes.

NovaWave Technologies                                                 Compact, Fast Response CO Analyzer 

230A Twin Dolphin Drive                                                    

Redwood City, CA  94065-1411                                               

The proposed instrument will enable carbon monoxide levels to be monitored with high precision and accuracy.  The ability to obtain these measurements using low cost, rugged hardware is essential for establishing and enforcing worldwide emission standards, and for obtaining a greater understanding of global warming and climate change.

Physical Sciences, Inc.                                                     Next Generation Sensor for High    

20 New England Business Center                                     Precision Measurements of CO₂      

Andover, MA   01810-1077                                                     

Policy decisions and predictions regarding various models of global climate change and regional air quality rely on the accuracy of measurements to determine the levels of various trace species in the atmosphere.  This program seeks to develop and demonstrate a sensor for monitoring CO₂ with high precision.

Skymoon R&D                                                               PAS Sensor for Vertical Profiling of

3045 Park Blvd.                                                             CO₂ in the Atmosphere              

Palo Alto, CA   94306-2231                                                   

This project is developing a photoacoustic sensor to help atmospheric researchers monitor the concentrations of carbon dioxide, an important greenhouse gas, in the atmosphere. These sensors will help climate researchers make more accurate predictions about global warming.

Vista Photonics, Inc.                                                        Inexpensive High-Performance Carbon

67 Condesa Road                                                           Dioxide Field Analyzer             

Santa Fe, NM   87508-8136                                                     

Inexpensive high-performance carbon dioxide sensors are required in the field to understand global warming.  The proposed laser sensor technology will provide the required measurements for an exceptional value.

Vista Photonics, Inc.                                                        Optical Carbon Dioxide Field Isotope

67 Condesa Road                                                           Ratiometer                         

Santa Fe, NM   87508-8136                                                    

Measurement of carbon dioxide isotopes is critical to understanding global warming.  The proposed technology seeks to allow rapid and precise determination at relevant levels in the atmosphere.

         TOPIC:  CAPTURE, SEQUESTRATION, AND UTILIZATION OF CARBON                  

Eltron Research, Inc.                                                       Integrated Membrane Shift Reactor  

4600 Nautilus Court South                                              for Simultaneous CO₂ Capture and   

Boulder, CO   80301-3241                                            Hydrogen Production                

This project proposes to demonstrate that Eltron’s hydrogen transport membrane reactor and another type of reactor can be combined into a single process that produces high pressure CO₂ on one side and pure hydrogen on the other.  Successful completion of this project will lead to a tremendous cost reduction for carbon dioxide capture as well as hydrogen production from fossil fuels.  Upon implementing this technology along with carbon dioxide sequestration, it will significantly reduce carbon dioxide emission to the Earth’s atmosphere, in the mean while produce clean fuels, hydrogen, from fossil fuels at low cost.

InnovaTek, Inc.                                                               Cost Effective Ulta-Thin Palladium 

350 Hills Street, Suite 104                                               Based Membrane for Hydrogen        

Richland, WA   99354-5511                                           Separation and Purification        

On the road to a hydrogen economy, the purification of hydrogen is an expensive step and a technical barrier.  The proposed work may lead to the development of a low cost membrane system, which may provide high purity hydrogen suitable for a variety of applications including chemical processing, stationary fuel cell power systems, and fuel cell vehicles.

New England Research, Inc.                                            Geophysical Characterization of the

76 Olcott Drive                                                               Multiplew Phase Saturation of Rocks

White River Junction, VT   05001-2313                          and Soils: Development of Methods  

                                                                                       and Software for CO₂ Sequestration 

This project proposes new software to characterize and monitor deep aquifers and reservoirs designated for CO₂ sequestration, by integrating geophysical observations with physical models of rocks and soils containing mixtures of CO₂ and other fluids.

Novomer LLC                                                                 Novel Polycarbonate Synthesis Using

179 Graham Road , Suite F                                             Carbon Dioxide as a Feedstock      

Ithaca, NY   14850-1141                                                      

A very attractive renewable resource for the production of specialty chemicals and materials is the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide since it is non-toxic, non-flammable, non-corrosive, in limitless supply, and in large quantities is harmful to the atmosphere until converted to plastic. This project proposes to apply a highly active and selective catalyst system to transform carbon dioxide into a biodegradable plastic.

TOPIC:  COAL GASIFICATION TECHNOLOGIES                                     

Research Institution: Energy & Environmental Research Center

A chief barrier to significantly reducing our dependence on foreign oil by gasifing U.S. coal is the cost of oxygen used in the process.   This technology may help solve that problem.

Eltron Research, Inc.                                                       Advanced Coal Gasification System  

4600 Nautilus Court South                                                   

Boulder, CO   80301-3241                                                     

This project proposes a chemical looping process utilizing an oxygen carrier integrated with a fluidized bed reactor. This process may demonstrate a more efficient method for coal gasification for energy production.

Research Institution: Research Triangle Institute, Inc.   

This project seeks to develop materials to facilitate the conversion of coal into a clean burning gaseous fuel for efficient conversion into electric power.  The impact of this technology may make power production from coal gasification economically attractive, environmentally friendly and promote greater U.S. energy security for the next century.

TDA Research, Inc.                                                         Novel Sorbents for Air Separation  

12345 West 52nd Avenue                                                       

Wheat Ridge, CO   80033-1916                                                 

Gasification-based power generation processes are potentially more economically attractive, have higher thermal efficiency and better environmental performance than competing technologies.  This project proposes to develop a low cost, high capacity sorbent for air separation to supply the gasification process with low cost oxygen.

TOPIC:  ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY AND SUPPORT FOR EXISTING FOSSIL ENERGY    

                 FACILITIES                                                          

Research Institution: University of Wisconsin at Madison   

This project seeks to utilize cementitious high carbon fly ash to stabilize in-place recycled asphalt pavement which otherwise will be landfilled. The high carbon fly ash stabilized asphalt pavement may create a strong base course for the new asphalt pavement, eliminating the cost and environmental issues of landfilling.

 Ceramatec, Inc.                                                           High Volume Utilization of Fly Ash 

  2425 South 900 West                                                 Containing Mercury-Impregnated     

  Salt Lake City, UT   84119-1517                               Activated Carbon                   

In January of 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency published draft regulations for the control of mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants, and one of the most promising technologies to control mercury involves the treatment of flue gas with activated carbon.  The pending mercury emission regulation will cause coal-fired power plants to lose ash sale revenue and increase ash disposal cost because fly ash produced thereafter will not be marketable for current applications. This project will develop a new way for high volume utilization of this low rank fly ash.

 Energy Concepts Company                                         Water-Conserving Steam Ammonia Power

627 Ridgely Avenue                                                     Cycle                              

Annapolis, MD   21401-1062                                                   

Fresh water is growing scarcer and costlier.  Power production is the second largest user of fresh water, accounting for 130 billion gallons daily.  Water consumption can be reduced by 60% and energy efficiency increased by 5% to 15% over conventional steam  plants by using the steam-ammonia power cycle.  This project will develop this cycle through preliminary design and thermodynamic analysis.

Inovatia Laboratories, LLC                                          Real-Time Elemental Analysis of    

120 E. Davis                                                                Particle and Gaseous Effluent      

P.O. Box 30                                                                

Fayette, MO  65248-1405                                                     

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency have been searching for a real-time, multi-metals detector for gaseous effluent for more than 10 years.  The proposed instrument exceeds all regulatory requirements at lower cost than present methods that often cannot provide adequate information for regulatory purposes.

Sporian Microsystems, Inc.                                          Adaptable Sensor Packaging for High

4699 Nautilus Court South                                           Temperature Fossil Fuel Energy     

Suite #201                                                                   Systems                            

Boulder, CO  80301                                                         

This project seeks to develop an adaptable protective sensor package that may be useful up to 1000ºC thereby providing critical information about energy generation equipment operating in the harsh environments typical of fossil-fuel combustion. 

TOPIC:  OIL, TAR SANDS, AND OIL SHALE TECHNOLOGIES                         

Composite Technology Development,                              Downhole Heater Cables for Oil Shale

       Inc.                                                                          Recovery                           

2600 Campus Drive, Suite D                                                 

Lafayette, CO  80026-3359                                                  

High-performance heater cables may be a critical need for oil shale recovery.  This SBIR project proposes to develop new heater cables with an insulation system to meet these requirements (including protection from very high temperatures and surface-damage) with the goal of helping to secure a domestic source of oil for the Nation.

Kalsi Engineering, Inc.                                                     Advanced Sealed Bearing Asembly for

745 Park Two Drive                                                        Positive Discplacment Motors used in

Sugar Land, TX  77478-2843                                         Micro-borehole Driling        

Advanced sealed bearing assemblies for drilling motors may be required for micro-borehole oil and gas drilling. This project seeks to develop these components for reliable and safe drilling, with the potential of significantly lower costs.

Merichem Company                                                        Selective Oxidation of Refractory  

1503 Central                                                                   Sulfur Compounds                   

Houston, TX  77012-2743                                                    

EPA regulations have mandated that sulfur levels be dramatically reduced in gasoline. This project proposes to develop a novel selective oxidation process to remove hard to treat sulfurs using an environmentally friendly catalyst at a low operating cost without degrading the quality of the gasoline. 

Tryby Energy, Minerals &                                                Denitrogenation of Bitumen/Syncrude

    Environment Corp.(TEMEC)                                       by Modified Supercritical Water    

13113 Otto Road                                                            

Woodbridge, VA  22193                                                       

Syncrude, or man-made oil, made from tar sand and oil shale contains nitrogen that can cause air pollution and negatively impact petroleum refining operations.  This project proposes the use of a supercritical fluid, which may be a novel and cost-effective way to remove nitrogen from syncrude.

  TOPIC:  NATURAL GAS AND HYDROGEN SEPARATION TECHNOLOGIES                   

Cape Cod Research, Inc.                                                Coatings for Recovery of Natural Gas

19 Research Road                                                           From Deep Wells                    

East Falmouth, MA  02536-4440                                               

This SBIR research project proposes to investigate two promising nuclear detector materials which may have a major impact in medical imaging, physics, scientific studies, and commercial applications.

Sorption Technologies, Inc.                                              High Bulk-Density, Large Capacity  

1 Innovation Way                                                            Activated Carbons for Small-Scale  

Suite 100                                                                         Natural Gas Storage                

Newark, DE  19711                                                          

This SBIR project proposes to develop a natural gas storage system based on an innovative activated carbon material. This storage system may be suited for small-scale residential and commercial electrical backup generators, and for new small- to mid-size commercial electrical power generators.

Synergistic Advanced Technologies,                                 High-Temperature Ceramic Capacitors

      LLC                                                                           for Applications in Deep Drilling  

8987 East Tanque Verde Road                                         and Completion Processes           

Suite 292B                                                                  

Tucson, AZ  85749-9610                                                     

This SBIR project seeks to develop high temperature capacitors required in deep drilling for oil and gas.

TDA Research, Inc.                                                         High Efficiency and Low-Cost       

12345 West 52nd Avenue                                               Reforming to Produce Hydrogen      

Wheat Ridge, CO  80033-1916                                                

This technology may reduce the capital cost in generation of hydrogen in large-scale plants. Further, in the long term this technology may be used to generate hydrogen for use in fuel cells and next generation vehicles.

 TOPIC:  SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL (SOFC) AND MATERIAL RESEARCH                 

 Eltron Research, Inc.                                                       Reformer for Conversion of Diesel  

 4600 Nautilus Court South                                              Fuel into CO and Hydrogen          

 Boulder, CO  80301-3241                                                     

This project proposes to develop a catalytic reactor for reforming commercial diesel fuel into a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide to be used as a fuel for powering solid oxide fuel cells.  Diesel fuel reformers, necessary for the operation of solid oxide fuel cells, are required to protect the considerable government investment already made in the development of fuel cells over the last decades.

FuelCell Energy, Inc.                                                       Diesel Plasma Reformer             

3 Great Pasture Road                                                        

Danbury, CT  06813-1305                                                    

This research project proposes to develop technology that may result in a breakthrough for fuel cells operating on diesel for generation of clean and efficient power.  The outcome of this research project may be the reduction of costs and maintenance requirements for fuel cell auxiliary power units for trucks.

 Phoenix Analysis and Design                                        Hot Anode Recirculation Pump for   

       Technologies                                                          SOFC Systems                        

7755 S. Research Dr.                                                       

Suite 110                                                                  

Tempe, AZ  85284-1816     

This project seeks to develop a high temperature pump for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) which in turn converts natural gas to electricity very efficiently.  This new high temperature pump may be a key component of the SOFC for improving energy efficiency and water retention.

R&D Dynamics Corporation                                        Foil Gas Bearing Supported High    

15 Barber Pond Road                                                 Speed Centrifugal Blower            

Bloomfield, CT  06095                                                      

The goal of the Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance is to develop commercially- viable Solid Oxide Fuel Cell systems by year 2010. These systems will offer fuel flexibility, as they are compatible with conventional fuels such as hydrogen, coal, natural gas, or diesel. This project proposes to design and demonstrate a gas blower to increase the efficiency of solid oxide fuel cells.

Spinworks LLC                                                           Low-Cost High-Temperature Heat     

5340 Fryling Road                                                       Exchanger for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Suite 104                                                                     using a Near-Net-Shape Ceramic     

Erie, PA  16510                                                           Powder Forming Process             

Spinworks is proposing to research, design and test an innovative manufacturing method for producing a low-cost, long life heat exchanger used in a Department of Energy-sponsored Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance, fuel cell.  This method may reduce fuel cell costs by 20% due to this significant manufacturing innovation.

 TOPIC:  MATERIALS RESEARCH                                                 

Applied Thin Films, Inc.                                               Maintainable Solution-Derived      

1801 Maple Ave., Suite 5316                                      Nanocoatings for Advanced Boiler   

Evanston, IL  60201-3135                                           Systems                            

This project proposes an innovative nano-material coating to help meet the goals of the President's clean coal initiative to provide significant cost savings, energy savings, and environmental benefits.  This technology may also improve US competitiveness in manufacturing.

Faraday Technology, Inc.                                            Development of Electrically Mediated

315 Huls Drive                                                            Electrophoretic Deposition for     

Clayton, OH  45315-8983                                          Thermal Barrier Coating Systems    

The proposed project addresses the need for a low cost process to deposit protective coatings that enable higher operating temperatures in gas turbine engines.  The proposed coating deposition process may be simpler, faster and less expensive.

 Farasis Energy, Inc.                                                     Novel, High Capacity Hydrogen      

 23575 Cabot Blvd                                                       Storage System                     

 Suite 206                                                                  

 Hayward, CA  94545                                                        

This SBIR project seeks to develop a novel low-temperature, hydrogen storage material. This material may meet DOE and commercial demands for onboard hydrogen tanks to power fuel cell vehicles. 

Research Institution: Southwest Research Institute                                                                                    

Materials used in power generation applications are subject to severe oxidation and corrosion damage due to high temperatures and harsh environments; therefore surface coatings and techniques are required to provide superior corrosion resistance for these applications. Karta proposes to develop an innovative pulsed-plasma process to deposit nanostructured coatings on iron- and nickel- based alloys.

  TOPIC:  ADVANCED FOSSIL FUELS RESEARCH                                     

Research Institution: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and  State University                    

This project proposes an enhanced coalbed methane recovery using carbon dioxide sequestration, followed by accelerated bioconversion of paraffin and carbon dioxide into methane, an environmentally clean energy source.  The simultaneous removal of pore-plugging paraffin should increase natural gas production rates and ultimate recovery from coal beds, sandstones, and carbonate reservoirs.

SPECIALTIES GROUP, INC.                                       An Economic Process for Coal       

1128 University Drive                                                      Liquefaction to Liquid Fuels       

Yardley, PA  19067                                                          

The proposed coal liquefaction process with improved process chemistry and reactor design has the potential to develop into a commercial process producing transportation fuels at a cost that is competitive with currently used fuels.

         TOPIC:  TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO ENERGY STORAGE FOR ELECTRIC AND HYBRID     

                 VEHICLES                                                           

ADA Technologies, Inc.                                                  High Performance Electrolytes for  

8100 Shaffer Parkway                                                     Electrochemical Capacitors         

Suite #130                                                                  

Littleton, CO  80127-4107                                                  

Nontoxic, high performance, long-lived electrochemical capacitors are needed for zero-emission electric and hybrid electric vehicles. This project proposes to develop a new class of efficient, highly stable electrolytes.

Eltron Research, Inc.                                                       Low Cost Synthesis of High Surface 

4600 Nautilus Court South                                              Area Thermally Stable Lithium-Ion  

Boulder, CO  80301-3241                                              Battery                            

This project proposes the development of lithium-ion battery cathodes for high capacities and stability in high temperatures. These materials may accelerate battery technology for safe, environmentally friendly electric and hybrid vehicles.

Farasis Energy, Inc.                                                         Abuse Tolerant, Voltage Stabilized 

23575 Cabot Blvd                                                           Li-ion Cell                        

Suite 206                                                                  

Hayward, CA  94545                                                    

This project will develop a low-cost safety mechanism to protect Li-ion cells.  Cells incorporating this technology should find use in large, multi-cell packs for the growing field of environmentally-friendly technologies, such as electric and hybrid electric vehicles, as well as satellites, stationary backup power, and portable power applications.

Farasis Energy, Inc.                                                         Accelerated Calendar Life Prediction

23575 Cabot Blvd                                                           for Li-ion Cells                    

Suite 206                                                                  

Hayward, CA  94545

A novel methodology for the prediction of the calendar life of Li-ion cells is proposed to enable introduction of Li-ion technology into applications such as hybrid electric vehicles which require a battery life of 15 years. 

Lithium Power Technologies, Inc.                                     Organic Additives as Redox Shuttles

20955 Morris Avenue                                                      for Overcharge Protection of Lithium

P.O. Box 978                                                                  Ion Batteries                      

Manvel, TX  77578-3819                                                     

Safety during overcharge conditions is a major barrier for the commercialization of large-size, lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles.  This project proposes to develop novel organic compounds for overcharge protection in lithium-ion batteries.

Research Institution: Brookhaven National Laboratory           

A high performance additive material is proposed to improve the low temperature performance of organic solvent-based electrolytes used in lithium-ion batteries. It would benefit the Nation greatly to become the economical source of the additive  material for lithium batteries which, will be used for automotive, electronics and virtually all-secondary power requirements.

Optodot Corporation                                                       Shutdown Separators for Protection 

214 Lincoln Street                                                          of Lithium-Ion Batteries Against   

Suite 305                                                                         Thermal Runaway                    

Allston, MA  02134-1348                                                    

This project proposes an ultra-thin safety coating that shuts down a battery to prevent thermal runaway and explosion. This technology may be suitable for all types of lithium batteries.

Physical Sciences, Inc.                                                     Electroactive Polymer Separator to 

20 New England Business Center                                    Protect from Overcharging in Lithium

Andover, MA   01810-1077                                            Ion Batteries
 

This separator may prevent a lithium-ion battery pack from being overcharged, improve reliability, and allow for greater numbers of repeated charges and discharges.

TIAX, LLC                                                                     Improved Low-Temperature Performance

15 Acorn Park                                                                of Safer, Low-Cost Lithium Iron    

Cambridge, MA   02140 -2390                                      Phosphate Cathodes for Lithium-Ion 

                                                                                        Batteries                          

Lithium-ion batteries may improve the performance of hybrid-electric vehicles (HEV) and electric vehicles (EV), to achieve substantially higher gas mileage than old-fashioned cars.  Some materials for lithium-ion batteries are negatively affected by cold weather, but this proposal seeks to apply battery and materials expertise to improve the low-temperature performance of lithium-ion batteries for HEV and EV applications.

TOXCO Inc.                                                                   Safer, Non-Toxic, Alternative      

1830 Columbia Ave.                                                        Electrolytes                       

Folcroft, PA   19032-1905                                                    

The ultra-capacitors used in hybrid electric vehicles for energy and weight savings contain a highly flammable chemical which is considered toxic. This project proposes developments in ultra-capacitors for low toxicity and fire resistance while achieving high electrical performance and efficiency.

Yardney Technical Products, Inc.                                     A Phase I Program to the Low       

82 Mechanic Street                                                          Temperature Performance of Li-ion  

Pawcatuck, CT   06379-2154                                         Batteries                          

This project seeks to develop new materials to improve the performance of lithium-ion battery technology at low temperatures. This may help make this technology more viable for applications such as hybrid and electric automobiles as well as military and aerospace applications.

  TOPIC:  TECHNOLOGIES FOR HYDROGEN TRANSPORT AND STORAGE                    

Analytic Power, LLC                                                       Electrochemical Hydrogen Compressor

2-X Gill Street                                                              

Woburn, MA   01801     

An efficient, durable and cost effective method of compressing hydrogen is proposed for use in hydrogen storage and pipeline applications.

Mohawk Innovative Technology, Inc.                             Oil-Free Hydrogen Compressor       

1037 Watervliet-Shaker Rd                                                   

Albany, NY   12205-2033                                                       

This project proposes to demonstrate the critical bearing, seal and coating technologies that may make possible the development of highly efficient and advanced hydrogen gas pipeline compressors that use no oil lubrication. 

         TOPIC:  ENERGY EFFICIENT MEMBRANES                                         

CeraMem Corporation                                                    Novel Supported Carbon-Silica      

12 Clematis Avenue                                                         Nanocomposite Membranes for Air    

Waltham, MA   02453-7011                                           Separation                         

Manufacturing of high-purity gases, particularly oxygen, could be much more energy-efficient if improved devices were developed. This project proposes the development of new membrane materials, to be incorporated in cost-effective devices, for gas separation.

Ceramatec, Inc.                                                               Electrolytic Process to Produce    

2425 South 900 West                                                      Sodium Hypochlorite Using NaSICON  

Salt Lake City, UT   84119-1517                                   Ceramic Membranes                  

The manufacturers of hypochlorite generators have a need for a reliable, cost effective and efficient sodium hypocholorite making process that does not generate waste and conserves resources.  This project proposes to develop an innovative, potentially cost-effective and environmental-friendly electrochemical process for producing sodium hypochlorite from seawater.

Compact Membrane Systems, Inc.                                  Hybrid Membrane Distillation Process

325 Water Street                                                            for Enhanced Integrated Ethanol    

Wilmington, DE   19804-2410                                        Production                         

Corn and biomass as renewable sources of fuel grade ethanol may reduce our dependence on foreign oil and also reduce carbon dioxide associated with global warming. This program proposes to reduce energy consumption and overall cost of manufacturing fuel grade ethanol.

Compact Membrane Systems, Inc.                                  Hybrid Anti-Fouling Membrane System

325 Water Street                                                            for Natural Gas Separation         

Wilmington, DE   19804-2410                                                   

This project proposes to develop high performance and robust membranes for upgrading natural gas processing from wells and other sources increasing yields significantly. The results of the project may also be of value for enhanced oil recovery processes. 

 Eltron Research, Inc.                                                       High Stability Thin Film Composite 

4600 Nautilus Court South                                               Reverse Osmosis Membranes          

Boulder, CO   80301-3241                                                     

This project proposes a family of membranes for water treatment, desalination, and chemical separations which may have unprecedented stability and significant cost savings over current technology.

Eltron Research, Inc.                                                           Nanocomposite Catalytic Membrane for

4600 Nautilus Court South                                                  Reagentless Hydrogen Peroxide      

Boulder, CO   80301-3241                                                 Production                         

This project proposes to develop nano-composite membranes for the environmentally friendly production of hydrogen peroxide. This new technology may provide significant reductions in cost, energy consumption, chemical waste, and process complexity.

Research Institution: Gas Technology Institute           

This project will develop a new low cost hydrogen membrane for use in numerous industries including coal, oil, metals processing and food oil manufacture. In many applications the technology may additionally enable economical capture and sequestration of carbon dioxide.

ITN Energy Systems, Inc.                                            Nano-Fabricated Hydrogen Separation

8130 Shaffer Parkway                                                 Membranes                          

Littleton, CO   80127-4107                                                    

This project seeks to develop a nanoscale-modified membrane for the separation of hydrogen from hydrogen-containing gas streams. The technology may reduce the costs of hydrogen production, further enabling the adoption of a hydrogen economy in the U.S.

 Media and Process Technology, Inc.                                Dehydration of Acids and Harsh     

 1155 William Pitt Way                                                     Chemicals Via Pervaporation/Vapor  

 Pittsburgh, PA   15238-1368                                            Permeation Using Inorganic Membranes

This project will develop a low-cost, high performance composite membrane to overcome the limitations of current pervaporation and vapor-permeable membrane technology.  This advanced membrane should find use in vapor and liquid separations, such as the dehydration of aggressive acids.

Media and Process Technology, Inc.                                Hydrogen Recovery Via Nanoporous   

1155 William Pitt Way                                                     Carbon Membrane for Large Scale    

Pittsburgh, PA   15238-1368                                           Refinery Application               

This project will develop a nanoporous carbon membrane to recover hydrogen for large-scale refinery applications.  Implementation of this technology will provide a viable alternative to high-cost construction of new installations.

Membrane Technology and Research,                              Novel Configurations for Low-Cost  

       Inc. (MTR)                                                               Large-Area Membrane Modules        

1360 Willow Road                                                            

Suite 103                                                                   

 Menlo Park, CA   94025-1516  

Membrane gas separation and pervaporation technology are relatively new processes that may prove useful for industry, yet are hindered by the high capital costs of membrane module skids.  This program proposes to develop a module configuration that could reduce membrane module skid costs by a factor of two.

Membrane Technology and Research,                                Novel Nanoporous Polymer Membranes 

        Inc. (MTR)                                                                for Gas and Vapor Separation       

1360 Willow Road                                                            

Suite 103                                                                   

Menlo Park, CA   94025-1516                                                  

Nano-porous membranes are proposed with improved performance in refinery and natural gas applications. This project may lead to a field-demonstrated membrane separation system with significantly lower costs for gas processing.

PoroGen, LLC                                                                Membrane Process for Bioethanol    

200 Boston Avenue                                                         Production                         

Suite 4750                                                                  

Medford, MA   02155 -4257                                                    

A novel, low cost membrane based process for production of bioethanol is proposed. The process may reduce the cost of bioethanol production and advance its use as a renewable energy source, reducing atmospheric emissions and decreasing US dependence on foreign oil.

Trans Ionics Corporation                                                 Membrane Mediated Extraction Process

2408 Timberloch Place, Suite D-5                                   for Olefin/Paraffin Separation     

P.O. Box 130511                                                             

The Woodlands, TX  77382                                                   

Recovery of olefins by membrane extraction is proposed. If successful, this may allow highly selective recovery of ethyene or propylene from mixed gas streams, thus conserving large amounts of energy.  

         TOPIC:  NANOTECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS IN INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY                

Research Institution: Ohio University                     

This innovative technology combines carbon nanofibers and glass fibers to make an electrically conductive material.  This material can be used to produce higher-performing electrostatic precipitators,  which  is a key technology for removing pollution from the flue gases generated by coal fired power plants. 

CeraMem Corporation                                                    Chemically Stable Nanocomposite    

12 Clematis Avenue                                                         Hydrophilic Inorganic Pervaporation

Waltham, MA  02453-7011                                            Membrane Modules                   

The manufacture of many industrial chemicals and drugs involves separation of water from the impure final product, and current established technologies to perform these separations are very energy-intensive.  This project proposes to develop an alternative, cost-effective, robust, and energy-efficient separation method for dehydration of industrial chemicals.