Multi-Stage, Multi-Phase, High Efficiency, Intelligent, Electrical Energy Conversion Unit for Navy and USMC
Navy SBIR FY2014.1


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2014.1
Topic No.: N141-073
Topic Title: Multi-Stage, Multi-Phase, High Efficiency, Intelligent, Electrical Energy Conversion Unit for Navy and USMC
Proposal No.: N141-073-0023
Firm: Electric Drivetrain Technologies LLC.
78 N. Main St.
PO 1700
Moab, Utah 84532
Contact: George Holling
Phone: (435) 259-5500
Web Site: www.ElectricDrivetrainTechnologies.com
Abstract: The Navy and USMC are embarking on an aggressive power and energy program for applications in surface and underwater vehicles as well as expeditionary systems. Limited by either shipboard space and weight or portability, the Navy and USMC require innovative technology solutions to increase electrical energy conversion efficiency and density in order to reduce volume, weight, and cost. The goal of the research is; to find innovative power solutions to reduce the variety of equipment that is required to accomplish missions, to reduce size and weight of power conversion units/inverters to better support the mission goals, to improve the thermal management of such units to reduce their weight and to increase their reliability and operational capabilities. We will develop a concept for the above universal power inverter/converter using state-of-the-art and emerging technologies. We will identify all the critical areas of the design: the overall topology of the power inverter, power switching technology, emerging concepts for self contained cooling and thermal management, strategies to improve power management, power quality, and advanced prognostics and diagnostics that might include partial self-reconfiguration as required.
Benefits: The research will address and solve an immediate need by the Navy to develop a Multi-Stage, Multi-Phase, High Efficiency, Intelligent, Electrical Energy Conversion Unit to support its operational readiness and adapt to the changing demands of its missions. While the research addresses an acute and immediate need of the Navy, the resulting technology will allow us to optimize power converters and power inverters and to specify the lightest, most cost effective system components while increasing the overall system reliability. The development will also provide tools and products that can address similar problems and commercial opportunities in commercial inverters, commercial power systems and micro-grids. The technology will allow us to successfully develop more efficient, cost effective inverters and power components for these markets that can be incorporated into our energy storage systems and power converters. The software tools and products will allow our company to actively participate in commercial opportunities in the emerging market for micro-grid controls and components and the solar and electric vehicle markets which will benefit; the public (better products), OEMs (lower warranty cost and optimally sized components), and our company (product and development opportunities). Beyond the above commercial benefits of the technology, the development is a good strategic fit for the company's internal research and product development efforts. Lastly, the production phase of this project will bring important well paying production jobs into the depressed area where the company is located and where most jobs today are low paying service jobs.

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