SBIR Phase I: Acoustic Expander for Air-Cycle Flash Freezers and Ultra-Low Temperature Refrigerators

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $303,669 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

The broader impact /commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is a new low temperature freezer system that does not use potentially harmful refrigerants. These freezers are used in flash freezing of food products, preservation of biological samples, and in the healthcare industry. The advantage of this technology over the current refrigeration solutions is that air can be used as the refrigerant instead of a synthetic refrigerant which may prevent ice build-up and improves technoeconomic performance. If this technology demonstration is successful, there will possibly be a joint partnership with an establish US manufacturer to commercialize the technology for the public. The unique patented acoustic based cooling system is the key enabler of this low temperature freezer concept. Initial market adoption is projected to be realized in the food processing space. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is focused on a novel air cycle -80C refrigeration system that uses an acoustic expander to provide the cooling effect. Air cycle systems offer advantages over traditional vapor-compression machines that use synthetic or flammable refrigerants. These advantages are single compressor architectures, non-hermetically sealed components, and low ice build-up in the freezer all while maintaining similar or higher Coefficients Of Performance to that of a vapor-compression machine at much lower capital cost and with fewe

Key facts

NSF award ID
2507737
Awardee
R7 INSTRUMENTS INC (MA)
SAM.gov UEI
J85HYQGMY8H5
PI
Carl Bunge
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Other Energy Research, Instr Rsrch,Metro&Std NanTech
Estimated total
$303,669
Funds obligated
$303,669
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
10/01/2025 → 09/30/2026