Inactive

TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY Embedded Sensors in Heat Transfer and Nuclear Systems via Additive Manufacturing A technique for embedding sensors into heat exchangers during fabrication that provide... TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY Embedded Sensors in Heat Transfer and Nuclear Systems via Additive Manufacturing A technique for embedding sensors into heat exchangers during fabrication that provides better control and more data without disrupting the flow, thus enhancing the life span and performance of the heat exchanger. Opportunity: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), managed and operated by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), is offering the opportunity to enter into a license and/or collaborative research agreement to commercialize these embedded sensors for heat transfer and nuclear systems. Overview: This technology is a technique for incorporating sensors into advanced compact heat exchangers fabricated with additive manufacturing. Nuclear energy programs require in-pile instrumentation and characterization capabilities to better understand the performance of nuclear fuels and materials in high-radiation environments. To correlate material performance with evolving microstructure, accurate temperature measurements with time and location resolution are paramount. This need can also be applied to any systems providing integration between heat source and heat sink and are vital for overall system performance and efficiency. Using INL’s technique, the sensors embedded during fabrication are able to increase the longevity of these heat exchanges, provide more data without disrupting the flow, and provide better system control. Description: This technology consists of techniques for incorporating sensors into advanced compact heat exchangers fabricated with additive manufacturing (AM). A variety of AM processes can be used. Using the material science of embedded sensor interface behaviors and evaluation techniques through developed gradient (or functional graded materials), sensors are able to be embedded in both ceramic and metallic components. Not only will the sensors or the encasement of sensors be fabricated by additive manufacturing, it can be an integrated process where the component as well as the sensor can be fabricated in an integrated process. Embedding sensors during fabrication will enhance the adoption of advanced heat exchangers due to the potential of increased achievable data during testing and operation of the heat exchangers. This will add to the longevity of the heat exchanger and provide better control for the system overall. Data gathered from embedded sensors could enable improvement in design and operations, which could further improve existing correlations. Benefits: Increased longevity of heat exchangers Better system control Provides more data without disturbing the flow Able to obtain hard-to-obtain data Significant increase in the nation’s AM capabilities and in-pile instrumentation Can prevent maintenance or accident conditions Applications: Heat transfer component fabricators Nuclear fuel designers Energy systems Nuclear power plants (large scale, small scale, and micro reactors) Aerospace test reactors Navy ship building and micro reactors Development Status: TRL 2. In need of further testing and proof of concept. IP Status: Provisional Patent Application No. 62/930,865, “Techniques for Incorporating Sensors into Apparatuses and Systems,” BEA Docket No. BA-1102. INL is seeking to license the above intellectual property to a company with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Exclusive rights in defined fields of use may be available. Please visit Technology Deployment’s website at https://inl.gov/inl-initiatives/technology-deployment for more information on working with INL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process. Companies interested in learning more about this licensing opportunity should contact Kala Majeti at td@inl.gov or 248-877-8866.