[Federal Register: January 17, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 12)]
[Notices]
[Page 2535-2536]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17ja03-54]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
National Energy Technology Laboratory; Notice of Availability of
a Financial Assistance Solicitation
AGENCY: National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Department of
Energy (DOE).
ACTION: Notice of availability of a financial assistance solicitation.
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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the intent to issue Financial
Assistance Solicitation No. DE-PS26-03NT41731 entitled ``Development of
Novel Sensors for Ultra High Temperature Fossil Fuel Applications.''
The specific objective of this solicitation is to seek out new
fundamental approaches to sensor concepts, materials, design, and
fabrication that have potential application in the harsh environment of
the advanced fossil fuel-based energy production systems. The types of
projects sought through this solicitation include laboratory and bench-
scale testing as well as fundamental research that addresses the
barriers associated with ultra-high temperature operation.
DATES: The solicitation will be available on the ``Industry Interactive
Procurement System'' (IIPS) webpage located at http://e-center.doe.gov
on or about January 24, 2003. Applicants can obtain access to the
solicitation from the address above or through DOE/NETL's Web site at
http://www.netl.doe.gov/business.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelly A. McDonald, MS I07, U.S.
Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory, 3610
Collins Ferry Road, P.O. Box 880, Morgantown, WV 26507-0880, E-mail
Address: kelly.mcdonald@netl.doe.gov, Telephone Number: (304) 285-4113.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NETL's Advanced Research Program is leading
the effort in innovative sensor development for fossil fuel
applications including the power systems conceived under the Vision 21
Program, such as oxygen blown gasification and combustion systems. Real
time monitoring, diagnostics and control are critical for the safe and
efficient operation of the energy conversion systems. However, due to
the harsh conditions, current instrumentation and sensor technology is
inadequate for the
[[Page 2536]]
systems. The lack of suitable on-line measurement technology represents
the primary motivation for seeking out new developments in sensor
technology. The specific objective of this solicitation is to seek out
new fundamental approaches to sensor concepts, materials, design, and
fabrication that have potential application in the harsh environment of
the advanced fossil fuel-based energy production systems. The types of
projects sought through this solicitation include laboratory and bench-
scale testing as well as fundamental research that addresses the
barriers associated with ultra-high temperature operation.
The research objectives are to:
(1) Develop an understanding of the sensor mechanisms acquired by
nano-scale design,
(2) Develop technology for fusion of high temperature materials and
advanced sensors,
(3) Develop long term high temperature data for life prediction and
reliability,
(4) Devise life assessment models and experimental verification,
(5) Obtain a quantitative description of the evolutionary processes
that lead to failure and predict response of sensor materials in
complex environments,
(6) Miniaturize sensors, and
(7) Explore self-contained sensor intelligence based on smart
materials.\1\
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\1\ Smart materials may be defined as the materials that respond
to environmental changes at optimal conditions and manifest their
functions according to the changes. The generic term ``smart
materials'' includes the materials and probes that can provide
information on a coating or process material while in service. The
information can be used via a suitable process control mechanism to
assess remaining life as well as to regulate the operating
conditions. Examples of smart materials are shape memory alloys,
optical fiber hybrid composites, and piezoelectric hybrid
composites.
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While the solicitation seeks out fundamental developments, the
ultimate goal of the sensor program is to develop devices that can used
for the measurement of temperature, pressure, and detection of various
gases (O2, H2, N2, H2S,
CH4, etc.) under conditions of high temperature (1000[deg]C)
and elevated pressures (up to 500 psi). Low cost, in situ or embedded
sensors that survive approximately one year of service in the presence
corrosive and erosive conditions are ideal. The incorporation of self
diagnostics/smart sensor functions is desired to verify performance and
accuracy.
It is anticipated that this program solicitation will result in
three (3) to six (6) awards. The period of performance for each award
will range from one to three years with budget periods to be
established independently based on the logical technical phases of each
individual project. Cost sharing is encouraged, but not required under
the subject program solicitation.
Once released, the solicitation will be available for downloading
from the IIPS Internet page. At this Internet site you will also be
able to register with IIPS, enabling you to submit an application. If
you need technical assistance in registering or for any other IIPS
function, call the IIPS Help Desk at (800) 683-0751 or E-mail the Help
Desk personnel at IIPS_HelpDesk@e-center.doe.gov. The solicitation
will only be made available in IIPS, no hard (paper) copies of the
solicitation and related documents will be made available. Telephone
requests, written requests, E-mail requests, or facsimile requests for
a copy of the solicitation package will not be accepted and/or honored.
Applications must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the
instructions and forms contained in the solicitation. The actual
solicitation document will allow for requests for explanation and/or
interpretation. However, all questions relating to the solicitation
must be submitted electronically through IIPS. All responses to
questions, as well as all amendments to the solicitation, will be
released on the IIPS homepage.
Issued in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 9, 2003.
Dale A. Siciliano,
Acting Director, Acquisition and Assistance Division.
[FR Doc. 03-1096 Filed 1-16-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P