Ultra-Low Ripple 1000 Volt Direct Current Battery Charger

Future Navy pulsed power systems, including lasers, directed energy systems, and railguns will require short-term prime power sources exceeding currently available shipboard capacity. Battery systems are being developed to support this peak power demand on an as-needed basis. Batteries can be charged over a relatively long period of time at low power from an existing AC or DC bus. Ripple current is a primary factor of merit for battery charging, as it contributes to internal heating, and accelerates degradation of the battery cells. Ultra-low ripple, variable-rate charging and voltage maintenance of these batteries will require compact, efficient, EMI-tolerant, and reliable battery chargers capable of operation over a range of current, voltage, and power settings. Under this SBIR effort, Diversified Technologies, Inc. will develop and deliver a Compact, Ultra-Low Ripple, 1000V, 35 kW Battery Charger with a power density greater than 3 MW/m3. Variable-parameter output modes will provide charging and battery maintenance over a range of commanded current, voltage, and power profile conditions, and will include a low-power maintenance discharge capability.