DTP Thermoelectrics to develop multi-stage device with more than 3 times the heat pumping capacity and greater than 20% higher efficiency than current devices.
Pasadena, CA, February 6, 2025 — DTP Thermoelectrics announces it has been selected by AFWERX for a SBIR Phase 1 contract in the amount of $75,000 focused on a multi-stage thermoelectric device, DTP-130, to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and on December 12, 2024, DTP Thermoelectrics began its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.
“Receiving this AFWERX grant allows us to move more quickly to deliver solutions that our customers can benefit from today,” said Dr. Lon Bell, CEO of DTP Thermoelectrics. “The DTP-130 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.”
“The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense or the U.S. government.”
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 and sensors, 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: dtpthermoelectrics.com.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.
About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at five hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed over 6,200 new contracts worth more than $4.7 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit afwerx.com.
