DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PROGRAM
AND
SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAM
FY 2007 PHASE I AWARDS BY TOPIC
TOPIC: USE OF CELLULOSIC BIOMASS TO PRODUCE BIOFUELS
Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. A Modular, Skid-Mounted Biomass
87 Church Street Pyrolysis Unit
East Hartford, CT 06108
Biomass is an
abundant energy resource in the
BonFire BioMass Conversions, LLC Mobile Biomass Pelletizing System
21025 Ridge Road
Freeland, MD 21053
This project will
create a system that addresses the removal of moisture and densifying at the
field (as opposed to in the field). Pelletizing equipment that is mobile,
energy efficient and easy to setup and operate will lessen the logistical
barriers to manufacturing cost effective pelletized biomass.
Edenspace Systems Corporation Improved, High-Moisture Ensiled Crop
3810 Concorde Parkway Feedstocks for Cellulosic Ethanol
Suite 100
Chantilly, VA 20151-1131
The project seeks to reduce the cost of cellulosic ethanol and other renewable fuels by ensiling crops that produce enzymes to reduce downstream processing costs. If successful, the project will create new value-added revenue opportunities for agricultural producers and ethanol cooperatives and reduce fuel costs for consumers.
STTR Project
Renewable Oil International LLC Production of Home Heating Oils and
3115 Northington Court Upgraded Bio-oils by Aqueous-Phase
Suite 145 Catalytic Processing of Bio-oils Produced
Florence, AL 35630 from Fast Pyrolysis of Woody Biomass
The project will
produce liquid biofuels from wood biomass resources by fast pyrolysis followed
by upgrading of the pyrolysis oils. This
research will be a key step towards ending global warming, improving national
security, and improving rural economies by reducing our dependence on petroleum
feedstocks.
STTR Project
Synergy Parametrics, LLC An Improved Strategy for the
2351 College Station Road, #479 Utilization of Mixed Sugars from
Athens, GA 30605 Lignocellulosic Hydrolysates
This project will
improve the efficiency of biofuel production from woody materials. It will
potentially improve supplies while lowering costs, which will support national
energy renewability and independence.
ZuChem, Inc. Bioprocess for Xylitol from
2201 W. Campbell Park Drive Hemicellulose
Suite 39
Chicago, IL 60612-3501
During ethanol
production, a significant amount of by-products are produced, which are rich in
pentose and other sugars. One product that can be made is xylitol. This project
will develop a bioprocess for the production of xylitol from agricultural
biomass that will significantly reduce the cost of commercial xylitol
production, and have a positive impact on the economics of fuel ethanol
production.
TOPIC: SOLAR ENERGY
Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. Cooling of Concentrating
1046 New Holland Avenue Photovoltaic Cells Using Heat Pipe
Lancaster, PA 17601 Technology
Concentrated photovoltaic systems, using multi-junction solar cells, have the potential to be cost competitive with conventional power generation in the next 5 to 10 years. The excess concentrated energy must be dissipated through low cost, innovative cooling techniques, like the heat pipe systems proposed, to prevent the solar cells from overheating.
Luminit, LLC Flexible Spectrum Splitting
20600 Gramercy Place Holographic Concentrators
Suite 203
Torrance, CA 90501
Advances in
photovoltaic technology are being sought to improve solar energy production such
that solar energy is competitive with other forms of renewable electricity by
the year 2015. This project proposes a laminated holographic film that focuses
lightwaves on solar cells to significantly improve the efficiency of existing
photovoltaic technology.
Luna Innovations Incorporated PV (Crystalline Silicon and Thin
1703 South Jefferson Street, SW Film) Manufacturing Diagnostics
Suite 400
Roanoke, VA 24016
Photovoltaic
technology is predicted to substantially impact the nation’s wealth and
economy in 21st century. This project will develop an in-line
high-throughput manufacturing diagnostic system capable of fast and accurate
identification of the distribution of stress and coating uniformity, allowing
improved process control, increased yield and reduced cost.
SVV Technology Innovations, Inc. High Performance PV Concentrator
10027 E Taron Drive
Elk Grove, CA 95757
This project will
develop and demonstrate a new approach for making inexpensive solar panels for
generating electricity. It will make viable the large-scale, distributed energy
production from renewables and help meet the national goals of energy
independence, reduction of carbon emissions and fostering the job growth and
economic progress.
Ultrasonic Technologies, Inc. In-line Crack and Stress Detection
27247 Breakers Drive in Silicon Solar Cells Using
Zephyrhills, FL 33543 Resonance Ultrasonic Vibrations
The program
addresses critical needs of the solar cell industry to reduce breakage of
silicon solar cells. A Resonance Ultrasonic Vibration system prototype will be
developed and tested for fast non-destructive in-line crack and stress detection
for use in solar cell production lines.
Valere Power Integrated System Health Monitoring
661 North Plano Road and Management for Photovoltaics
Suite 300
Richardson, TX 75094
This project will
develop a system and method for overcoming these deficiencies in an integrated
manor. The approach will be to explore local communication technologies such a
Zigbee wireless or some form of power line communications to create a data
collection backbone without the need for a separately wired data bus.
TOPIC: HYDROGEN DELIVERY AND PRODUCTION
FuelCell Energy, Inc. Development of a Highly Efficient
3 Great Pasture Road Solid State Electrochemical Hydrogen
Danbury, CT 06813 Compressor
This project focuses on the development of a highly efficient, solid-state electrochemical hydrogen compressor to produce high pressure, high purity hydrogen to meet future hydrogen refueling infrastructure needs.
Materials Modification, Inc. Nanocrystalline Photocatalysts for
2721-D Merrilee Drive Hydrogen Production from Splitting
Fairfax, VA 22031 of Water by Visible Light
This project will
develop novel nanocrystalline non-oxide semiconductor materials and to evaluate
their photoelectrochemical efficiency in splitting of water using solar energy.
Hydrogen produced from renewable resources such as water and sun light has
potential to reduce dependence on foreign oil, air pollution, and rising energy
costs.
Mohawk Innovative Technology, Inc. Advanced Sealing Technology for
1037 Watervliet-Shaker Road Hydrogen Compressors
Albany, NY 12205
For
the hydrogen economy and energy independence to become a reality, efficient and
reliable large-scale compressors are needed to move hydrogen gas from production
sites to end user locations. Oil-free, non-contacting seal and bearing
technologies are critical to the successful development of these new
compressors. These technologies will also have a positive impact on the
operating efficiency and life of existing and new pipeline compressor and
aircraft gas turbine engine systems.
Physical Optics Corporation Photoelectrochemical System for
20600 Gramercy Place, Building 100 Hydrogen Generation
Torrance, CA 90501-1821
An efficient apparatus will be designed, to be assembled from relatively inexpensive materials, to extract hydrogen by means of solar power, with water being the only consumable.
Prometheus Energy Active Magnetic Regenerative
3311 South 120th Place Liquefier
Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98168
The
use of cryogenic liquid hydrogen is integral to the storage, transport,
distribution and use of hydrogen for the transportation sector. The power
required to liquefy such ryogens is a major impediment to production of LH2, especially if the
power for the liquefaction is supplied from the hydrogen feedstock for the
liquefier. This project offers a breakthrough toward liquefier technology that
can reduce capital cost by ~1/3 and increase thermodynamic efficiency by a
factor of 2 over conventional technology.
Synkera Technologies, Inc. Nanorod Array Photoelectrochemical
2021 Miller Drive Hydrogen Production
Suite B
Longmont, CO 80501-6787
This
project is focused on developing, validating, and commercializing
next-generation nanomaterials that will enable the essentially limitless
production of the world’s most-perfect energy source—hydrogen—by splitting
water via sunlight. Success in this project will represent a key enabling step
on the nation’s critical path toward achieving a “hydrogen economy.”
TIAX, LLC Hydrogen Delivery and Production;
15 Acorn Park Off-Board Hydrogen Bulk Storage
Cambridge, MA 02140
The low density of compressed hydrogen gas and the high energy requirements for liquefaction are recognized as major roadblocks to a future hydrogen fuel infrastructure. The proposed concept is to store and deliver low temperature, high pressure (LTHP) hydrogen to enable cost effective hydrogen storage, delivery and dispensing to hydrogen vehicles.
TOPIC: WIND ENERGY RELIABILITY AND COST REDUCTION
Continuum Dynamics, Inc. Distributed On-Blade Control for
34 Lexington Avenue Enhanced Wind Turbine Performance
Ewing, NJ 08618-2302
This project will provide devices to improve the efficiency of wind turbines, producing more renewable energy at reduced cost.
Global Energy Concepts, LLC Comprehensive Health Monitoring
1809 7th Avenue, Suite 900 System for Wind Turbines
Seattle, WA 98101
This work involves creating a wind turbine health monitoring system that will detect imminent component failure in wind turbines and identify the probable the cause. It will allow operators to reduce repair/maintenance costs by anticipating failures before they become catastrophic.
Native American Technologies Company Self-Erecting, In-Situ Manufactured,
(N. A. Tech. Inc.) Wind Energy Tower, Development of
P.O.Box 39 Nacelle Assembly Lifting System
Golden, CO 80402-0039
The technical
approach for this project is to design the apparatus to place the nacelle,
generator, gear box, rotor, and blades on top of an in-situ fabricated,
self-erecting tower, called UltraTall – without using an external crane.
Open Secure Energy Control Systems, LLC Open Source Infrastructure for
8070 Georgia Avenue Communications, Control, and
Suite 205 Integration of Wind Power
Silver Spring, MD 20910
This project will
develop an open software infrastructure for remotely controlling and monitoring
wind power plants and for exchanging information with existing electric power
grid control centers. It provides a base for further advances in wind power
control technology.
Orbital Research, Inc. Plasma Aerodynamic Control Effectors
4415 Euclid Avenue for Improved Wind Turbine
Suite 500 Performance
Cleveland, OH 44103-3733
This project will
produce innovative “smart” rotor blade systems for wind turbines. These
smart blades will be capable of increasing energy output by 30% and lowering
operating and capital costs of wind turbines.
Princeton Power Sytems, Inc. Combined Controls and Energy Storage
501 Forrestal Road for Distributed Wind Turbine Grid
Suite 211 Integration
Princeton, NJ 08540
This project will develop an integrated wind turbine energy storage system that will make wind energy predictable and maximize its value to the end user and utility. This will reduce blackouts, decrease utility transmission costs, and displace polluting, fossil fuel-burning, power generators with a clean, renewable energy source.
Sentient Corporation Wind Energy Reliability and Cost
850 Energy Drive, Suite 307 Reduction :Wind Turbine Health
Idaho Falls, ID 83401 Monitoring Systems
This
project will develop a robust condition monitoring system for commercial wind
turbines that will help operators reduce the cost of wind energy.
WebCore Technologies, Inc. Reducing Cost and Weight of Wind
8821 Washington Church Road Turbine Blades Using Engineered Core
Miamisburg, OH 45342-4449
The engineered fiber reinforced composite core is an enabling technology that can be used to construct lighter, longer wind turbine blades for more efficient wind power generation. Integration of the engineered core into wind turbine blades will require further validation of material properties as well as application specific design.
TOPIC: TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES WITH SPECIAL
EMPHASIS ON PLUG-IN HYBRIDS
STTR Project
Electron Energy Corporation High Performance Permanent Magnets
924 Links Avenue for Advanced Motors
Landisville, PA 17538
This
project will develop advanced motors for more efficient hybrid electric vehicles
with affordable cost by developing high performance permanent magnets with
enhanced density of the stored magnetic energy at temperatures up to 240oC, reduced eddy current
losses and, reduced cost.
JME, Inc. Improved Lower-cost Electrochemical
17210 Parkland Drive Capacitor
Shaker Heights, OH 44120
This project will
develop a breakthrough lower-cost electrochemical capacitor that would expand U.S.
manufacturing in electronics and generate energy savings throughout the economy
through increased capture of regenerative energy in military, transportation and
other widespread industrial uses.
Lithium Technology Corporation New Materials to Improve the
5115 Campus Drive Performance of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1129 in HEV and PHEV Applications
This project will
increase energy density of lithium ion batteries for PHEVs [Plug-In Hybrid
Electric Vehicles] by using novel anodes based on transition metal phosphide
active materials.
SBE Inc High Energy Density, Low-Cost, High
131 S Main Street Temperature Capacitors for Hybrid
Barre, VT 05641 Vehicles
This project will
develop Polypropylene (PP) Film Capacitors and methods to ensure reliable
operation in higher temperature environments and especially in the Automotive
Temperature Cycling extremes.
TechDrive, Inc. Novel Polylithium Salts for Small
3101 S. Dearborn Street and Full Size Rechargeable Batteries
Suite 382
Chicago, IL 60616-3793
This project is aimed at producing new and improved cost-effective materials to be used in the development of rechargeble batteries for electric vehicles and consumer products, such as computers, cell phones, and cameras.
Technology Assessment & Transfer, Inc. Core/Shell Composite Soft Magnetic
133 Defense Highway Material for Advanced Motors
Suite 212
Annapolis, MD 21401
Rotor and stator core materials with high electrical resistivity are necessary to reduce eddy currents and decrease total core losses during high frequency operation. This project will achieve a reduction in core losses by using a powder metallurgy approach to create soft magnetic, high resistivity rotor and stator core materials.
STTR Project
Yardney Technical Products, Inc. Inexpensive, Environmentally Benign
82 Mechanic Street Li-Ion Battery Cathode Materials for
Pawcatuck, CT 06379 HEV and PHEV Applications
This project will develop safe, advanced lithium-ion batteries for application in hybrid and electric vehicles. These novel lithium-ion batteries will contain overcharge-safe and thermally stable LiMnPO4 cathodes and will have high energy density, and long cycle life.
TOPIC: ALTERNATIVE FEEDSTOCKS TO CHEMICALS
C3 Engineering Alternate Feedstocks to Chemicals An
P.O. Box 726 In-situ Process for Generating Oil
Andover, MA 01810 from Shale for Chemical Production
A novel chemical
process is being developed to recover shale oil from the vast shale oil deposits
located in the United States
and Canada. The process will recover a
semi-refined product using far less energy than other commercially available
processes in an environmentally friendly manner.
Eltron Research Inc. Aromatics from Alternative Sources
4600 Nautilus Court South by Catalysis with Sulfated Zirconia
Boulder, CO 80301-3241 and Related Systems
Coal
is America's number one alternative carbonaceous resource, expected to last for
hundreds of years as our main supplier of energy and chemicals; coal can be
converted to liquid fuels through a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis that in addition
to valuable fuel products, such as diesel, is a source for hydrocarbons that can
be converted to high-volume aromatics needed for our heavy industries (polymers,
solvents,
Genomatica, Inc. Development of Saccharomyces
5405 Morehouse Drive Cerevisiae Strains for Continuous
Suite 210 Bioprocessing at Low pH
San Diego, CA 92121
This
project will create microbial strains and processes for synthesizing several
commodity chemicals, and will demonstrate a general framework for the
development of superior bioprocessing technology. Ultimately, such bio-based
processes using renewable feedstocks could replace petrochemical processes for
these chemicals.
Lynntech, Inc. Added Value Preprocessing of Low
7607 Eastmark Drive, Suite 102 Quality Biomass for Bioenergy
College Station, TX 77840
This project aims
to develop an innovative biomass preprocessing system to improve overall
bioenergy production efficiency by utilizing an environmentally-friendly
approach. The broadbased capabilities of this technology will enable it to
perform multiple tasks in a single unit of operation.
TDA Research, Inc. RFCC Catalysts for Chemical Feedstocks
12345 W. 52nd Ave.
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-1916
A catalyst for
processing heavy feedstocks for the petrochemical industry has been developed.
The new catalyst will enable the petrochemical industry to use heavier feeds,
which will stimulate increased use of
Technova Corporation Improved Conversion of Cellulose
3927 Dobie Road Waste to Ethanol Using a Dual
Okemos, MI 48864-3480 Bioreactor System
Bioethanol,
derived from fibrous, woody, inedible plant matter or biomass, will become a
major transportation fuel in America’s future. This project will use new microorganism consortia and dedicated
novel technology to improve wood/grass waste conversion to bioethanol, with
equipment that is simple to use by farmers, in a cost–efficient way.
Tethys Research, LLC Hemicellulose: Lignin Etherase from
53 Downing Road Microbe B603:Feasibility of
Bangor, ME 04401 Isolation to Fractionate Wood for Chemicals
Microorganisms
that make novel enzymes to help separate wood components in an efficient and
environmentally friendly manner have been developed. This project isolates one
of these enzymes so that an enzyme-assisted pulping process can be designed to
economically use forest biomass for chemicals and fuel.
TOPIC: CHEMICAL REACTIONS AND SEPARATION PROCESSES FOR BIO-REFINERY APPLICATIONS
Aerophase, Inc. Alternative Reaction/Extraction
401 Mountain View Avenue Media to Reduce Energy and Cost of
Longmont, CO 80501 Biodiesel Production
Biodiesel is a key
component in U.S.
plans to reduce dependence on foreign oil and decrease the environmental
impacts of using fossil fuels—but current production technology is not
cost-competitive. This project will provide enabling technologies for a
cost-effective, energy-efficient method of producing biodiesel fuels.
STTR Project
American Biodiesel, Inc. dba Efficient Processing of Algal
Community Fuels Bio-Oils for Biodiesel Production
336 Encinitas Boulevard
Suite 130
Encinitas, CA 92023
This
project will investigate cost and energy effective processes for making
biodiesel from bio-oils produced by algae. Benefits
include job creation, reduced environmental and health impacts associated with
petroleum diesel emissions, less reliance on foreign oil, and a more diverse
energy portfolio necessary for national energy security and future economic
growth.
EverNu Technology, LLC Nano-Scale High-Surface-Area Thermal
1616 Holly Hill Lane and Conductive Ceramics as Effective
Suite 108 Support for Metal Oxide Catalysts in
Maple Glen, PA 19002-3171 Alkane Selective Oxidation
Utilization of low
cost and abundantly available alkane as feedstocks for the production of
valuable chemicals via catalytic oxidation can bring to the
Exelus, Inc. Step-Out Process to Upgrade Clycerol
99 Dorsa Avenue to Bio-Diesel
Livingston, NJ 07039
A new technology
is being developed to produce bio-diesel from excess glycerol – a by-product
of current bio-diesel plants. The process has the ability to produce an extra
170 million gallons of bio-diesel per year in the
Lynntech, Inc. Bifunctional Heterogeneous
7607 Eastmark Drive, Suite 102 Enzyme-Mimetic Catalysts for Biofuel
College Station, TX 77840 Refining
Renewable fuels
from biological feedstocks such as ethanol and biodiesel have been recognized as
attractive renewable energy sources; however, the inherently high production
costs of these fuels have hampered their widespread application. This project
will produce highly efficient catalysts for refining of biological feedstocks
offers high efficiency and low-cost production.
Membrane Technology and Research, Inc. Biobutanol Production with Hybrid
1360 Willow Road Membrane-Distillation
Menlo Park, CA 94025-1524
Due to economic
considerations, biobutanol is not currently produced as a biofuel even though it
has clear-cut performance advantages over bioethanol. The biobutanol production
process developed in this proposal is both cost and energy efficient and could
compete with petroleum-derived butanol production.
United Environment & Energy LLC Intensified Process for Biodiesel Production
701 A Chemung Street
Horseheads, NY 14845
This project aims
to develop a high efficiency, high productivity, and low cost biodiesel
production technology to replace the current low efficiency biodiesel production
process in the industry.
TOPIC: CATALYSIS
STTR Project
Compact Membrane Systems, Inc. High Temperature Membrane Reactors
325 Water Street
Wilmington, DE 19804
This
project will develop a platform technology to enhance chemical synthesis and
also dry organics including fuel grade ethanol from biomass.
Inorganic Specialists, Inc. Nanofiber Paper for Fuel Cells and
965 Capstone Drive Catalyst Supports
Miamisburg, OH 45343
This project will use inexpensive, bulk-produced carbon nanofibers to fabricate fuel cell components that are at least three times better than commercial products. This innovation reduces the cost of fuel cells because it requires far less expensive platinum catalyst.
NSC Technology Development of Fuel Cell Cathodic
205 William Street Catalysts: Multimetallic Alloy
Vestal, NY 13850 Nanoparticles
Fuel cells are
attractive energy sources because of high conversion efficiency, low pollution,
lightweight, and high power density. This project will translate the patented
and patent-pending nanotechnologies to the production of low-cost, active and
robust catalysts that count for 30% of the manufacturing cost in enabling fuel
cells.
NexTech Materials, Ltd. Catalysis - Reactive Separations:
404 Enterprise Drive Ceramic Proton-Conducting Membrane
Columbus, OH 43035 Reactor for Steam Methane Reforming
This project focuses on a lower cost and higher efficiency process for production of hydrogen, an important fuel for the country’s energy future.
Novomer LLC Well-Defined Ethylene-Propylene
South Hill Business Campus Copolymers Derived from a-Olefins
950 Danby Road, Suite 300 for Use as Elastomers
Ithaca, NY 14850-1141
This project will
develop a catalyst system that utilizes chemicals that are produced as
by-products and converts them into a class of specialty plastics that are
currently commercially available. The specialty materials will find use in the
automotive, oil additive, and consumer and sporting goods industries.
Precision Combustion, Inc. Novel System for Solid Catalyzed
410 Sackett Point Road Isobutane/Olefin Alkylation
North Haven, CT 06473-3106
This project will demonstrate a breakthrough in the manufacture of alkylate, a major component for reformulated gasoline. Success will lead to commercialization of solid catalysts as an environmentally friendly alternative to current processes based on liquid acids, also saving capital, operating costs and energy.
TDA Research, Inc. A Novel Catalyst for Cyclohexane
12345 W. 52nd Avenue Oxidation, Catalysis, Heterogeneous
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-1916 Catalysis
This project will
develop a new process that can be used to more efficiently and more cost
effectively convert cyclohexane into adipic acid, the raw material for nylon
production. This technology is environmentally benign and reduces the
manufacturing costs associated with nylon manufacture, a $5 billion per year
industry.
TOPIC: SEPARATION PROCESS TECHNOLOGIES FOR MANUFACTURING
Altex Technologies Corporation Efficient Dewatering System for
244 Sobrante Way Biomass &