N092-126 TITLE: Light-weight Power Dense Distribution Cable

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles, Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: CGX Program (PMS 502) and the Electric Ship Program Office (PMS 320)

OBJECTIVE: Develop a light-weight power cable with a high-power density suitable to meet the needs of future electric combatants demanding power loads.

DESCRIPTION: The CG(X) Program will have significantly increased power demands compared to ships of similar size due to anticipated capabilities of Advanced High Power Radar, Electric Weapon Systems, and Electric Drive. Some of these loads, such as the High Power Radar will continuously draw significant amounts of power, on the order of 10’s of MW, through copper cables. Utilizing the currently available and expensive copper cable technology, the network of required power distribution components to ensure efficient power management, robustness and reconfiguration of the system would ultimately result in the addition of a significant amount of weight and volume. These high power loads are also typically above the water line. Introducing additional weight could have a negative impact on the ships center of gravity.

This topic seeks to explore innovative, affordable, advanced concepts and technologies that will result in the development of a light-weight power cable with a high-power density suitable to meet the needs of future electric combatants demanding power loads. One of the key technical challenges is going to be the development of a cost-effective solution that increases power density by a factor of 5 (threshold) to 10 (goal) times current cable technology, while saving on weight (goal of 50%). The proposed power cable concepts can be AC/DC with voltages ranging from 1kV-13.8kV, total power capable of operating in the 3-40MW range, and typical lengths of 25-100 meters. Cabling and connectors must be combatable with the shipboard vibration environment as well as any proposed cooling medium must also be suitable for use in a shipboard environment.

PHASE I: Develop concepts for a lightweight power dense power cable and identify. Perform bench top experimentation where applicable to demonstrate concepts. Complete preliminary design that addresses the needs as identified above.

PHASE II: Develop, demonstrate and fabricate a prototype as identified in Phase I. In a laboratory environment, demonstrate that the prototype meets the performance goals established in Phase I. Complete detailed design for a military qualified full scale power cable and verify final prototype operation in a representative laboratory environment and provide results. Develop a cost benefit analysis and a Phase III installation, testing, and validation plan.

PHASE III: Work with the Navy and industry to build a qualified full scale cable that could be tested on a current for future Navy platform. Transition this technology for integration into the CG(X) program office.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Developing a lightweight power dense power cable would benefit terrestrial applications where current power distribution systems cannot meet future requirements and the present infrastructure does not support expansion via additional conventional transmission methods. Such opportunities include large building power, utility power distribution and mobile power distribution systems.

REFERENCES:
1. Fitzpatrick, B. "High Temperature Superconducting Degaussing System Assessment,"proceedings of ASNE Day 2005, April 2005.

2. Snitchler G., Gamble B., Kalsi S.S., "The performance of a 5 MW high temperature superconductor ship propulsion motor" Applied Superconductivity, IEEE Transactions on Volume 15, Issue 2, Part 2, June 2005 Page(s):2206 – 2209.

3. Curcic, T.; Wolf, S.A., "Superconducting hybrid power electronics for military systems", Applied Superconductivity, IEEE Transactions on Volume 15, Issue 2, Part 2, June 2005 Page(s):2364 - 2369.

4. "Shipboard Electric Power Distribution: AC Versus DC Is Not the Issue, Rather, How Much of Each Is the Issue"; LCDR John V. Amy Jr. PhD, Mr. David H. Clayton and Mr. Rolf O. Kotacka; All Electric Ship 98 Conference.2nd ed., vol. 3, J. Peters, Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1964, pp. 15-64.

KEYWORDS: power cable; power density; distribution; electric ship; electric drive; NGIPS

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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