Approach
A combination of practical and theoretical work undertaken over more than a decade has demonstrated the significance of the FASTT technology heat transfer innovation. Proof of principle prototypes, based on target specifications, have been designed, constructed and successfully tested to cover a range of aspects and highlighting many of the technology's features/benefits. These, together with an examination of more fundamental technical considerations and comparative analyses have provided an insight into the initial positioning of the technology within the heat transfer market. The technology is well beyond “early stage” and many of the risks associated with early stage developments have been borne by ACPI.
Evaluation of the overall heat transfer market, the industrial sectors involved, applications, organisations and current technologies, has been undertaken. Consideration has also been given to the limitations of current high flux heat transfer technologies.
It is evident that the FASTT technology has wide application in many industrial markets, being particularly suited to applications requiring high heat flux, wide operating temperature ranges, where combining the heat transfer medium and output sink within one device offers significant advantages. It also has application where its high heat flux capabilities at cryogenic temperatures is significantly better than that provided by other technologies.
The technology readiness level (TRL) for the FASTT technology is dependent upon the application. Estimates range from a TRL of 6 to 7 for smaller devices to just above concept theoretical check levels for larger nuclear heat exchangers based on the technology.
The company’s research and development efforts have resulted in significant intellectual property in the form of trade secrets and know-how which it owns outright. Technology searches have confirmed the novelty of the FASTT technology and intellectual property protection in the form of a patent is in the process of being secured.
Market soundings through contact with experts in the field, attendance at a number of key heat transfer meetings, presentations and publications have confirmed the significance of the technology. ACPI has published/presented a number of papers including papers at the 14th UK Heat Transfer Conference 2015 and SEMITHERM 33 San Jose, California 2017.
Consideration is ongoing to further develop the technology and to identify key applications for early commercialisation.
Future Direction
ACPI’s directors have a successful track record of engineering innovation with relevant scientific, technical and commercial expertise and qualifications. They are ideally positioned to provide specialist advice and expertise in the use of the FASTT technology. ACPI’s ability to respond quickly to changing requirements and to overcome specific technical problems offers significant benefits to clients.
ACPI's research and development efforts have, over many years, resulted in significant intellectual property which it owns outright. This intellectual property together with its personnel and test equipment form the foundation of the company, its competitiveness and future value. The intellectual property lies in the patent covering the core technology. ACPI has also amassed a considerable amount of intellectual property in the form of trade secrets and know-how which places it in a unique position to further develop the FASTT technology and to work with organisations wishing to use it. ACPI is well placed to perform further research and development as well as to assist in the development of specific products through collaborative ventures.
ACPI intends to pursue the development and commercialisation of its unique technology. It is committed to creating value through its technological innovations and is keen to explore potential joint venture, licensing or other arrangements with global industrial, government and academic partners. Market analyses indicate significant ongoing growth of the global heat transfer market, in particular high heat flux and wide operating temperature range applications.