TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY: Nuclear Thermionic Avalanche Cells with Thermoelectric (NTAC-TE) Generator in Tandem Mode: LAR-17981-1

Synopsis: NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA solicits inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture and market the following technology. License rights may be issued on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis and may include specific fields of use. NASA provides no funding in conjunction with these potential licenses. THE TECHNOLOGY: Scientists at NASA Langley Research Center have developed a concept for converting radioactive energy into electricity using a nuclear thermionic avalanche cell and a thermoelectric generator. The goal is to develop a conversion system with extremely high energy density which would only require "refueling" approximately every 30 years (depending on the application). Such functionality could be attractive in applications where the energy-using device is very remote from energy sources or where there are operational benefits associated with minimal refueling. Excessive heat generated while radioactive material decays is converted to electricity via a thermoelectric generator. One of high density energy source contemplated for terrestrial and space applications is the dual energy conversion systems in tandem mode consisting of the nuclear thermionic avalanche cells (NTAC) as a primary energy conversion engine and the thermoelectric (TE) generator with three regenerative cycles combined as a secondary conversion engine. This dual energy conversion system in tandem mode has a very long life without refueling for at least 30 years and high energy density. Potential applications include high altitude airships, utility-scale electric power generation facilities, electric propulsion for automobiles and airplanes, power for remote and rural communities, nodal power without transmission lines, or marine electric propulsion. NASA is seeking to license this technology commercially in the United States. US Patent pending. To express interest in this opportunity, please respond to [email protected] with the title of this Technology Transfer Opportunity as listed in this FBO notice and your preferred contact information. Please also provide how you foresee using the technology along with a brief background of your company. Additionally, please identify any non-US interests/subsidiaries in your company as well. For more information about licensing other NASA Langley-developed technologies, please visit the NASA Langley's Technology Gateway at https://technologygateway.nasa.gov/ These responses are provided to members of NASA Langley's Office of Strategic Analysis and Business Development "OSACB" for the purpose of promoting public awareness of NASA-developed technology products, and conducting preliminary market research to determine public interest in and potential for future licensing opportunities. If direct licensing interest results from this posting, OSACB will follow the required formal licensing process of posting in the Federal Register. No follow-on procurement is expected to result from responses to this Notice.