Affordable Point of Use Conversion (PUC) Module for 400Hz Power System Applications
Navy SBIR FY2013.1


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2013.1
Topic No.: N131-040
Topic Title: Affordable Point of Use Conversion (PUC) Module for 400Hz Power System Applications
Proposal No.: N131-040-0171
Firm: IAP Research, Inc.
2763 Culver Avenue
Dayton, Ohio 45429-3723
Contact: Antonios Challita
Phone: (937) 297-3153
Web Site: www.iap.com
Abstract: Currently 400 Hz power systems onboard US Naval ships use centralized and redundant frequency conversion, whereby 400 Hz power is generated in centralized locations and is then distributed to numerous loads located throughout the ship. This distribution system approach leads to the placement of large and expensive frequency converters onboard the ship and long cable runs. Additionally, the needed distribution equipment feeding all the 400 Hz loads is redundant to the 60 Hz distribution system. A more effective and survivable approach would utilize the existing 60 Hz distribution system to provide power to compact PUCs located directly at the load site. This would eliminate the need for separate 400 Hz distribution systems and eliminate the need for all the 400 Hz distribution equipment. In this Phase I SBIR, we propose to develop a 40 kW high power density, affordable PUC modules that have three times the power density and half the cost of the MFPMs used in the PNCC. We propose to develop these modules using SiC FETs and nano crystalline cores for the filter chokes. The successful development of this technology will improve the affordability and survivability of Naval ships.
Benefits: The successful development of this technology will provide the required point of use conversion module to eliminate the 400 Hz power distribution system from ships and make the ships more survivable and affordable. The same technology can also be applied to other voltages such as 270 VDC. The proposed concept has a large potential for military and commercial applications. Commercial applications such as micro-grids would benefit from compact and affordable power conversion local to the end use application. This technology would also be applicable to commercial shipping, future electric cars and renewable energy markets.

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