Multi-Stage, Multi-Phase, High Efficiency, Intelligent, Electrical Energy Conversion Unit for Navy and USMC

There is a need by the Navy and USMC for innovative technology solutions to increase electrical energy conversion efficiency and density in order to reduce volume, weight, and cost for efficiently executing land- and sea-based operations that are limited by space, weight and portability. Global Technology Connection, Inc. (GTC) in collaboration with the University of Idaho (UI) addresses the development of a high power density, high efficiency universal power converter based upon matrix converter concepts. This program will leverage GTCs work on electrical power system modeling / diagnostics and UIs matrix converter work. The Phase I effort will concentrate on optimizing an initial power converter designs using physics-based modeling tools. Advanced digital controller based upon sliding mode or predictive control techniques complementing resonance switching will be developed to enable high efficiency power conversion. The universal power converter will be assessed according to size, weight, volumetric power density, efficiency, heat, and cost. Phase I will include the development of plans to refine and test the universal power converter. Phase II will refine and prototype the Phase I high efficiency universal power converter concept.