On August 27, 2009, Mikro Systems (MIKRO) was awarded a $100,000 Phase I research grant by the US Department of Energy (DOE) under the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program. Under this grant, MIKRO will apply its Tomo-Lithographic-Molding (TOMOSM) technology to “Innovative Turbine Cooling Technology” for Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) power plants. IGCC plants are an attractive alterrnative to current coal fired technologies.
In this Phase I effort, MIKRO intends to demonstrate technical feasibility of applying its TOMO technology to the manufacture of advanced turbine blades for use in IGCC plants. The advanced blade designs will embody more complex internal cooling passages than can be produced using current investment casting techniques, which will improve heat transfer and lower cooling air requirements. If successful in Phase I, MIKRO will be eligible for a follow-on two-year Phase II R&D effort to further develop the technology needed for this demanding application.