SAM #DARPA-SS-27-01

DARPA information request on solid-state heat-to-electricity conversion

DARPA is seeking technical insight into solid-state systems that convert heat directly into electricity. - Government buyer: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Defense Sciences Office (DSO). - Purpose: Gather information on the state of the art and technical limits of solid-state thermal-to-electric energy conversion to inform potential future research and development. - Technology focus: Highly efficient solid-state heat engines that operate across a wide range of temperatures without moving mechanical parts. - Information sought: Achievable performance at different operating temperatures, factors that limit performance, and promising applications. - OEMs and vendors: No manufacturers, vendors, specific products, part numbers, or quantities are named. - Procurement scope: This is an information request; no product or service line items, contract value, or performance period are specified.

Description

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Defense Sciences Office (DSO) is requesting information on the current state of the art and technological limitations of solid-state direct thermal-to-electric energy conversion technologies. We define solid state energy conversion as systems that convert a temperature differential directly into electrical energy without utilizing mechanical moving parts (e.g., pistons, turbines, or rotary alternators). This RFI seeks to identify the best possible solid state heat engine performance across a wide operating temperature range, factors that limit performance, and the most attractive use cases if these highly efficient solid state heat engines could be made today. This survey of limits, challenges and use cases will identify opportunities for research and development to inform potential program(s) in this area.

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