As the ESA Technology Broker UK, we have been presented with a wealth of technologies that have potential cross-over applications for the space sector.
We were approached by a provider of thin, conformal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuator kits and controls to actively manage boundary-layer behaviour on passenger cars, reducing drag and improving fuel economy/range. The solution can be retrofitted for car body hotspots including A-pillars, mirror bases, rear deck/fastback, underbody/diffuser, and wheel wakes.
The advantages of the technology includes active, software-defined aerodynamics that adapts forcing to speed / crosswind against static add-ons. Able to be retrofitted, the system boats a mm-scale thickness with no moving parts and a small electrical input vs a reduced drag power. This technology offers potential applications for the space industry with OTA-updateable strategies, control maps and diagnostic telemetry.
To find out more about this technology offering, please see here: