FIBERCELL OVERHEAT HAZARD DETECTION SYSTEM.

The purpose of the program was the development of an airborne overheat hazard detection system, utilizing the proprietary power-generating Fibercell concept as the sensor. Such a sensor must have a detection capability in the primary temperature range from 300F to 1000F, plus the capacity to withstand transient temperatures in excess of these limits. In general, Fibercell consists of a ceramic electrolyte electrochemical cell in the shape of a fiber, which is dependent on its temperature for electrical power output. Since the electrolyte resistivity is logarithmically related to temperature, the cell power output lessens rapidly with decreasing temperature. Below a particular temperature determined by ceramic electrolyte composition, the cell is effectively disconnected from the alarm system -- a behavior that lends itself to long service life of the cell. During this program, developmental work was directed toward an improvement of Fibercell performance at the lower end of its operating range the design of sensors for airborne alarm systems and the evaluation of sensors under simulated alarm and aircraft conditions to determine their mechanical stamina, as well as their performance as overheat condition sensors. Author