Key objectives of this contract are the design, development and demonstration of an intensified, lube oil actuated common rail injection system capable of producing peak injection pressures of more than 40,000 psi (2800 bar). The system must also be readily adaptable to Army engines. A key design feature of this concept will be the use of AFT’s high pressure Dimethyl Ether (DME) injection pump modified to pump engine lube oil to drive the new injector.
James Candless, CEO of Alternative Fuel Technologies, said: “This latest contract was awarded to the company because of our extensive experience with this type of fuel injection system. It was awarded to us under the DoD’s SBIR programme, which funds early stage research and development projects and small technology companies. The SBIR program was funded at approximately $1.2bn in FY2009, and is part of a larger, federal SBIR programme, which is administered by 12 federal agencies and receives more than $2 billion in funding.”
AFT is also engaged in several other fuel system projects for the US Army including a phase 2 contract valued at more than $700,000 (final award being negotiated) for the redesign of a commercial diesel common rail pump to lower wear to acceptable levels.
The army uses JP-8 jet fuel for all of its equipment from helicopters to diesel powered trucks and generators.
As part of its SBIR programme, the DoD issues an SBIR solicitation three times a year, describing its R&D needs and inviting R&D proposals from small companies – firms organized for profit with 500 or fewer employees, including all affiliated firms. Companies apply first for a six-month to nine-month phase 1 award of $70,000 to $100,000 to test the scientific, technical, and commercial merit and feasibility of a particular concept. If phase 1 proves then the company may be invited to apply for a two-year phase 2 award of $500,000 to $750,000 to further develop the concept, usually to the prototype stage.
