R&D funding accelerates development and delivery of advanced cooling, heating and thermal management solutions for industries requiring high-efficiency cooling, heating and temperature control.
ALTADENA, CA, November 19, 2024 — DTP Thermoelectrics, a leader in next-generation thermoelectric technologies, has been awarded a U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant for $275,000 to conduct research and development work on its next generation solid-state cooling technology. Addressing the challenges of conventional cooling methods, this cutting-edge solution offers compact, energy-efficient cooling, heating and thermal management for electronics, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, logistics and other industries that rely on temperature-controlled environments.
The SBIR grant enables DTP to fast-track the development of its DTP-90 thermoelectric module, which leverages patented composite materials with distributed transport properties (DTP). The Phase I goal is to create and deliver prototype DTP-90 modules that boast three times the cooling efficiency of current solutions at high temperature differentials (e.g. 70K) and can achieve a 90K temperature differential from room temperature. As DTP accelerates its R&D efforts, the prototype module will serve as a platform for developing commercial cooling, heating and thermal management systems tailored for high-performance applications.
“NSF accelerates the translation of emerging technologies into transformative new products and services,” said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF Assistant Director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. “We take great pride in funding deep-technology startups and small businesses that will shape science and engineering results into meaningful solutions for today and tomorrow.”
“Receiving this NSF grant allows us to move more quickly from research to the delivery of solutions that our customers can benefit from today,” said Dr. Lon Bell, CEO of DTP Thermoelectrics. “The DTP-90 module is designed to provide unmatched solid-state cooling efficiency, and with this funding, we are accelerating our ability to bring these innovations directly to the market.”
About the U.S. National Science Foundation's Small Business Programs
All proposals submitted to the NSF SBIR/STTR program, also known as America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF, undergo a rigorous merit-based review process. Once a small business is awarded a Phase I grant, it becomes eligible to apply for Phase II funding and additional supplements totaling up to $2 million. To learn more about America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF, visit: seedfund.nsf.gov.
NSF has several programs that help accelerate the translation of research results into practice and provide pathways for researchers, startups and aspiring entrepreneurs to move their ideas from the laboratory to the market and society. To learn more about how NSF helps unlock future technologies for national and societal impact, visit: beta.nsf.gov/tip/latest.
About DTP Thermoelectrics
DTP Thermoelectrics is focused on creating and commercializing next-generation thermoelectric technologies that will improve thermal management in a broad range of applications—including cold chain logistics, electronics, medical devices and HVAC equipment for internal combustion and electric vehicles.
Our engineers are developing solid-state cooling, heating and temperature control systems based on our patented Distributed Transport Properties (DTP) thermoelectric technology which delivers both efficiency and capacity improvements compared to conventional thermoelectric systems. These advancements will, for the first time in many cases, enable the use of thermoelectric systems to address many present and evolving thermal management challenges.
We have a vision to develop a new generation of thermoelectric, solid-state systems for use across multiple industries. DTP Thermoelectrics believes that cooling, heating and thermal management technology must evolve from its fluid-based roots to emission free, solid-state solutions that meet new demands for efficiency, sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
After several years of research to perfect the technology, DTP Thermoelectrics is now pursuing engagements with electronics, cold chain, and automotive companies to integrate DTP technology into their products. Learn more at: https://dtpthermoelectrics.com.
