|
Miniaturized Electric Actuation System
Navy SBIR 2016.1 - Topic N161-048 NAVSEA - Mr. Dean Putnam - [email protected] Opens: January 11, 2016 - Closes: February 17, 2016 N161-048 TITLE: Miniaturized Electric Actuation System TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground/Sea Vehicles ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS394, Advanced Undersea Systems Program Office The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: Develop seawater submergible miniaturized Electric Actuation System (EAS) with power densities comparable to an equivalent size hydraulic actuation system. DESCRIPTION: The Navy is seeking to develop a miniaturized Electric Actuation System (EAS) to meet the demands of operating in a seawater environment while preserving the power densities available in comparably sized hydraulic actuators. Ongoing and future development of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV) which interface with manned submersibles highlights a need to develop innovative ways of providing mechanical actuation of linkages, valves, and interlocks while facilitating packaging within the constraints of attack submarine (SSN) ocean interface. This is accomplished by utilizing actuators as system components (Ref. 1). By minimizing the host ship impacts, the threshold for integration of UUVs with manned submersibles can be significantly lowered. The current practice of using hydraulic systems to provide mechanical actuation force imposes an expensive and maintenance intensive solution. Modification of fielded systems has proven to be an expensive and time-consuming effort (Ref. 2) and may limit widespread integration of UUVs with SSNs. The current methodology for high power density mechanical actuation via hydraulic power results in significant operational and maintenance costs associated with cleanliness of the hydraulic system and maintenance of the fluid power components (control valves, actuators, pumps). By removing the specialized hydraulic plant (generally powered by electricity) and replacing with an EAS, it is envisioned that cost savings could be realized. The EAS should be of a scale and power density comparable to a 3 inch and smaller hydraulic piston operating at a nominal value of 2,500 pounds per square inch (psi). Stroke should be up to 3 inches but not less than 1 inch. Current EAS methodologies that meet the above criteria with pure electric, electro-mechanical, electro-hydraulic, Piezo-ceramic, or Paraffin schema are acceptable. The EAS must be capable of withstanding submergence pressures on the order of magnitude of 1,000 psi, and experience wet and dry actuation at temperatures ranging from 20 degrees Fahrenheit to 150 degrees Fahrenheit . The ability to provide a continuous force output for prolonged periods, up to 1 month, is also required. The development of underwater EAS has focused on replacement of large hydraulic actuators with high load capacity. Development of sub-scale electric actuators, which provide the high power densities and resistance to the marine environment, will help to facilitate the integration of UUVs and SSNs in launch and recovery systems such as the Universal Launch and Recovery Module (ULRM). PHASE I: In Phase I, the company must provide an EAS concept that demonstrates the power density and actuation length along with how that EAS is suitable for submerged environmental requirements listed in the description. Suitability for submerged environment may be demonstrated parametrically, or with conceptual analysis. Phase I Option, if awarded, would include the initial layout and capabilities description to build the unit in Phase II. PHASE II: In Phase II, the company will develop a prototype EAS(s) for testing and evaluation based on the results of Phase I and the Phase II Statement of Work (SOW). The EAS prototype will be evaluated against operationally relevant qualification requirements to determine if the technology has the potential to meet Navy performance goals described in the Phase II SOW. The performance requirements to be articulated in the Phase II SOW would include hydrostatic operations and power verification along with other shipboard qualifications as necessary. A prototype EAS will be delivered to the Navy at the end of Phase II. The company participating in Phase II will be required to prepare a plan to transition the technology to the Navy under Phase III. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The company will be expected to support the Navy in transitioning the EAS technology to Navy use. The EAS must be compatible with existing UUV/manned submersible integration efforts and incorporated, where feasible, into the Tactical ULRM design. The EAS technology would provide mechanical actuation of system critical functions safely allowing the operational deployment of UUVs alongside manned submersibles. The EAS will be validated, tested, qualified, and certified for Navy use in accordance with the host ship qualification requirements and host ship supplied services. The development of high energy density undersea capable EAS could be utilized in the deep-sea resource industry and deep ocean academic investigation. REFERENCES: 1. H. Janocha (Ed). Actuators: Basics and Applications. New York: Springer Science & Business Media, Aug 17, 2004. 2. GAO Report to Congressional Committees. "Increased Focus on Requirements and Oversight Needed to improve DOD�s Acquisition Environment and Weapons System Quality," February 2008. KEYWORDS: Electric actuator; Universal Launch and Recovery Module (ULRM); Large Diameter Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (LDUUV); Unmanned Underwater Vehicle; electro-mechanical; electro-hydraulic TPOC-1: Jason Starck Phone: 202-781-4438 Email: [email protected] TPOC-2: John Newton Phone: 202-781-7456 Email: [email protected] Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.
|