



Award Abstract #0646367

SGER: Johnson ThermoElectrochemical Converter (JTEC) Solar Powered Cell Tower Generator

NSF Org: ECCS

Div Of Electrical, Commun & Cyber Sys

Initial Amendment Date: September 15, 2006 Latest Amendment Date: August 20, 2007 Award Number: 0646367 Award Instrument: Standard Grant Program Manager: Paul Werbos

ECCS Div Of Electrical, Commun & Cyber Sys

ENG Directorate For Engineering Start Date: October 1, 2006 End Date: March 31, 2008 (Estimated) Awarded Amount to Date: $75,000.00 Investigator(s): Heshmat Aglan haglan@tuskegee.edu (Principal Investigator)

James Muller (Co-Principal Investigator)

Sponsor: Tuskegee University

1200 W Montgomery Road

Tuskegee Institute, AL 36088-1923 (334)727-8233 NSF Program(s): EPCN-Energy-Power-Ctrl-Netwrks Program Reference Code(s): 0000, 090E, 9102, 9150, 9237, OTHR Program Element Code(s): 7607

ABSTRACT



JTEC SOLAR POWERED CELL TOWER GENERATOR



This project will attempt to resolve the key technical issues and uncertainties regarding a



breakthrough concept for low-cost high-efficiency solar power. The proposed approach is based



on a conceptual system for providing independent power for cell towers that will allow them to



function even after emergencies like hurricane Katrina. The solar engine is based on the Johnson



ThermoElectrochemical Converter (JTEC) concept for converting heat to electricity invented by



(Lonnie) Johnson, who will be available to assist Tuskegee University in carrying out this work.



Except for the working fluid, JTEC is an all solid state engine that does not have mechanical



moving parts. Different from conventional solid state thermoelectric devices, it does not have



inherent parasitic heat loss paths. JTEC uses Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEA) similar to



those used in fuel cells; however, it does not require oxygen or a special fuel, only heat. The



availability of a range of proton conductive membrane materials that operate from room



temperature up to and exceeding 1200oC suggests that JTEC could generate electricity from



practically any heat source, from very small, just a few degrees, to very large temperature



differences. JTEC approximates the Ericsson thermodynamic cycle which is Carnot equivalent.



Research on this technology offers the potential for achieving solar power efficiency of 50% in



the short-term and 80% in the long-term, far beyond what is expected from photovoltaics both in



efficiency and in cost.



(1) Intellectual merit of the proposed activity



JTEC is a fundamentally new solid state engine concept. Critical research is needed to enable a



credible analysis of its potential. Research is needed into the properties of proton conductive



materials needed to make a working system. The materials are similar those being studied in



fuel cell research, but new material properties must be investigated in order to optimize the



choices for this application. Research is needed to model, simulate and optimize an integrated



systems design for cost-effective recharge power for cell towers.



(2) Broader impacts resulting from the proposed activity:



Cell towers running out of battery power were a crucial problem in the wake of Katrina and



resulted unnecessary deaths and destruction. This project, with follow-on research, could



provide un-interruptible, cost effective power for communications in areas threatened by



hurricanes and other disasters that is not limited by battery life. The proposed engine technology



will have major impacts on the international energy economy particularly with respect to the



need for economical, green, renewable energy. This research is consistent with NSF goals for



minority education and outreach. Tuskegee University is a HBCU institution and Johnson



Research is a minority owned small business. Please report errors in award information by writing to: awardsearch@nsf.gov.