Dual Mode Electrical Accumulator Unit (DMEAU)

The move towards more-electric aircraft continues to increase the complexity of electrical power systems (EPS) on modern airborne platforms. In addition to ever expanding peak and regenerative power demands, the flight criticality of the EPS also continues to increase as more systems become electric, thereby requiring more stringent power continuity during mode transitions in the EPS. The dual-mode electrical accumulator unit (DMEAU) proposed under this SBIR will significantly improve both power capability and quality of the EPS with minimal additional system weight (as compared to traditional emergency power batteries). Additionally, it is expected that the control algorithms of the proposed DMEAU will achieve these benefits without requiring significant modification to the controls of other subsystems thereby simplifying the specification of the EPS. The primary objective of this Phase I proposal is to design a DMEAU with the capabilities and benefits outlined in the SBIR solicitation. Modeling, simulation, and analysis will be utilized to demonstrate that the proposed design is capable of meeting the relevant requirements from MIL-STD-704, MIL-STD-461, the SBIR solicitation, and the additional performance objectives identified at the beginning of the project. If successful, developed technologies will ultimately transition to DoD programs under a Phase III contract. BENEFIT: Dual-mode electrical accumulator unit (DMEAU) technology offers several benefits in military airborne applications, the first commercialization opportunity which this SBIR will target, including: „« Expanded peak-power and regenerator power capabilities in the electrical power system „« Improved the power capability utilization of high-performance batteries on the aircraft „« Improved power quality during mode transitions in the electrical power system „« Improved over-current protection mechanisms used to prevent battery failures „« Improved PHM at both a system and battery level „« Improved turbo-machinery starting performance In addition to the direct benefit to military applications, there is potential for application in commercial aircraft, terrestrial vehicles, and marine vehicles. Finally, the DMEAU technology under investigation in this SBIR may be applicable to renewable energy technologies (e.g., wind or solar power) that do not provide a predictable output power capability. In these applications, the power capabilities of the primary source would be monitored by the DMEAU and the DMEAU would supplement or detract from the source output to ensure that a predictable power flow was maintained to/from the electrical grid thereby enabling more efficient dispatch at the regional transmission operator (RTO) level.