Robust Power Conversion/Conditioning Technologies for High Power Aircraft Applications

High power pulse weapons have been proposed for decades. Prototype lasers, for example, have had some success in destroying surface and airborne targets. High power, high efficiency laser diodes are now available to pump the lasers but they still need large amounts of energy storage. A convenient way to utilize energy dense aircraft fuel is to tap into the existing electrical generation and distribution system. But the instantaneous power levels needed for this type of weapon is beyond their capability. The objective of the solicitation is the development of innovative high density, high efficiency power conversion and conditioning technologies supporting high power, low duty cycle applications. The ultimate purpose is to buffer the aircraft"s generation and distribution system from the effects of high power pulse loads. RCT proposes to use an innovative architecture that will draw constant power from the generator while simultaneously firing the weapon and storing electrical energy, in pulse power batteries and/or super capacitors, for the next shot. RCT plans to use SiC power modules at high junction temperatures with only natural convection thus eliminating the complexity of active cooling. These power switches can run at high frequencies, reducing the size of EMI filter components.