Lancaster-based Advanced Cooling Technologies Inc. (ACT), a leading provider of thermal management solutions, has recently achieved a remarkable milestone by winning five Department of Energy (DOE) Phase II SBIR projects. These contracts, totaling an impressive $5.5 million in funding, solidify ACT's standing within the energy market, where they are already renowned for delivering cutting-edge products catering to wind energy, nuclear energy, and power electronics/power conversion systems.

The significance of this achievement is not lost on Bill Anderson, Chief Engineer for ACT, who expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "Winning five DOE Phase II SBIRs is a tremendous achievement for ACT. The programs demonstrate the breadth of ACT’s research and development, including CO2 sequestration, pulsating heat pipes, very high-temperature thermal storage, cryogenic loop heat pipes, and electronics radiation shielding."

Let's delve into the details of these five groundbreaking projects:

1. Direct CO2 Air Capture Using Acid-Base Ion-Exchange and Low-Grade Heat:

• ACT is diligently working on a low-cost resin-material-based direct air capture system designed to extract CO2 from the atmosphere, contributing to the fight against climate change.

2. Advanced Cooling Solutions for High-Frequency Medium-Voltage Planar Transformers:

• This project centers on enhancing the cooling mechanisms for high-frequency transformers, particularly those used in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. By improving cooling, ACT aims to boost charger efficiency and power, facilitating the broader adoption of EVs, a crucial step in the transition to cleaner transportation.

3. Integrated High Operating Temperature Heat Storage System for Process Waste Heat:

• ACT is spearheading the development of a high-temperature thermal energy storage system. This innovation is poised to capture and reuse industrial waste heat, promoting sustainability and efficiency in industrial processes.

4. Polymer-Based Conformal Space Radiation Shield with Thermal Management Manufactured by Five-Axis 3D Printing Platform:

• In this pioneering project, ACT is harnessing the power of 3D printing and polymer composites to create a space radiation shield with thermal management capabilities. This innovative approach holds promise for enhancing the safety and functionality of space electronics.

5. Thermal Management of Low-Temperature Semiconductor Detector Arrays:

• ACT is dedicated to developing an advanced cryogenic loop heat pipe that will effectively cool semiconductor detector arrays in scientific instruments. This technological advancement will significantly contribute to scientific research and discovery.

Jens Weyant, Vice President of Product and Technology Development at ACT, expressed the company's commitment to DOE collaboration, stating, "We have been a trusted thermal partner for the DOE in the past and will continue to pursue bids from them. Our strategy is to put out competitive bids and back them up with expert engineering and manufacturing."

Source: cpbj.com