SBIR-STTR Award

This proposal addresses issues relating to the application of non-superconducting generators in 1 to 5 MW range to high voltage Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) systems. The main focus is to select the best condidate generator from a variety of electromagnetic and electrostatic generator concepts. The selection of the optimum generator concept must however be based on the parameters relating to the entire generating system including the turbine, the electronic power conditioning, and the DEW load. The selection parameters for optimization are: power density, efficiency, fuel consumption, and reliability. With a view to satisfy the need to review the entire system, we have teamed with Rolls Royce, Hamilton Sundstrand and Lockheed Martin. The work plan includes evaluation of various generator and power electronics approaches and study of the integrated overall system in terms of thermal and cooling issues, fuel consumption. Internal and external technical resource have been pooled to address electrical, electronics, structural, dynamic, and thermal issues. We expect to select an optimized generator/controller configuration that is likely to compare favorably with superconducting generator approach on the basis of the integrated system parameters. A detailed design analysis of the selected configuration will be presented. This will form the basis for fabrication of hardware for demonstration during Phase II.High voltage DEW generators in the 1 to 5 MW range are applicable to air, space ground, and water based systems in Air Force, Army and Navy components of the DoD. In addition to the DEW loads, the generators will also provide power for Electromagnetic guns. In the commercial field, applications in Distributed Power Systems will be met because of the high power density and high fuel efficiency although the high voltage will not be the critical issue

Many High Power Microwave and Laser based Directed Energy Weapon Systems need electric power in the megawatt range. For airborne applications high power density light weight power source is needed. This proposal addresses development of a 2.5 MW generator operating at 15000 RPM for the airborne DEW applications. The technology used in the design is based on non-superconducting approach used in aircraft generators. Innovative techniques are applied to electromagnetic and thermal design to extend the technology to large power capacity. The 2.5 MW generator when coupled to Allison T406 (AE2307) engine results in 1600 Lb. generator set that can be used for any vehicle mounted or stationary application. Tne design of the generator is cost effective, and can be easily extended to cover 1 MW to 5 MW range. The Phase II activity will include fabrication and testing of the generator based on the Phase I design. The Phase I design was further analyzed and verified during an extensive program under a separate PRDA contract to minimize design risks. An expert team of electrical and mechanical engineers and technical specialists is assembled to conduct Phase II program. When completed, the outcome of the program will be fully developed generator hardware for installation in a high power generator set