CLEVELAND — Teams of researchers and scientists at NASA’s Glenn Research Center were named as developing three of the top 100 technologically significant new products in 2011.

The R&D 100 Awards announced annually by R&D Magazine will be presented during its banquet on October 13 at Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld in Florida.

The magazine’s editors, along with an independent judging panel, selected the following Glenn products for award.

The Non-Flow-Through Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell is a more efficient way to produce electricity for long duration missions. All fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen to generate, heat, electricity and water. While the standard fuel cell requires continuous purging of the water produced, the new invention passively wicks the water away. This avoids the need to recirculate gases and results in a system with much less weight and volume. The new fuel cells could lead to improved long term scientific exploration, lead to safer military operations and have significant impact on unmanned underwater and aerial vehicles. Additionally, as fuel cells become more widely used, they will significantly reduce the amounts of pollutants generated in the atmosphere. Members of the team are Mark Hoberecht and Ken Burke of Glenn, Ian Jakupca of QinetiQ North America, Bill Smith and Alfred Meyer of Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc., James McElroy of McElroy PEM Technologies and Christopher Callahan of Callahan Engineering, LLC.

The Multi-Parameter Aerosol Scattering Sensor can accurately measure, characterize and monitor atmospheric particulates. Originally developed for early-warning fire detection in spacecraft and remote habitats, this extremely compact sensor provides more accurate measurements than larger, heavier, and more expensive instruments that are currently available. Because the sensor is small, lightweight, mechanically robust and portable, it can potentially be worn as a personal monitor, enabling first responders, firefighters, and hazardous material personnel to manage their exposure to dangerous breathing conditions. Glenn’s Paul Greenberg and David Fischer, as well as Cleveland State University’s James Lock and the National Center for Space Exploration Research’s William Yanis will receive the award for this device.

The Laser Pulse Stretcher allows scientists to study flames and combustion systems, using a series of mirrors to store short pulses of light while allowing a small amount to leak out in a controlled manner. This lengthens the time during which measurements can be made, so that scientists can see more clearly what is occurring in various types of fire. This critical new capability allows for the design and development of highly efficient combustors with lower emissions than ever before. A better understanding of the combustion process will have a positive impact in building safer, cleaner and more affordable aircraft. Glenn’s Quang-Viet Nguyen and Jun Kojima of Ohio Aerospace Institute will receive the award for this invention.

With these most recent awards, Glenn is the recipient of 112 R&D 100 Awards since 1963, when the awards were initiated to identify revolutionary technologies newly introduced to the market.

For more information about NASA Glenn Research Center, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/glenn

For more information on the 2011 R&D 100 awards, visit: http://www.rdmag.com/Awards/RD-100-Awards/2011/06/R-D-100-2011-Winners-Overview/