Waste Heat Recovery
STTR Opportunity Analysis
The Navy is seeking an STTR solution for low-cost waste heat recovery from DDG 51 class ship main engine exhaust, specifically the LM 2500 gas turbine, to convert otherwise unused thermal energy into electrical power. The work calls for a durable system that can capture and use exhaust heat while minimizing impacts to ship systems, profile and radar cross section, available space, weight, and stability, with a path for integration on DDG 51 ships. Proposers must address material stress in operational environments and provide preliminary concept designs, validation and test plans, scalability and miniaturization analysis, and either a prototype or high-fidelity simulation that demonstrates performance across operating conditions and electrical output estimates. The opportunity is open under DON26TZ01-NV006, with applications due June 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET.