Power Dense Quiet (PDQ) Electric Drive for Underwater Propulsion

SatCon proposed to investigate electric drive concepts for improved power density and quiet operation for underwater propulsion systems with an initial focus on torpedo applications. We will leverage our experience in SiC applications, NUWC propulsors, and active ONR podded propulsor program as a baseline design, and couple this with the design analysis and modeling expertise of Energy Systems Analysis Consortium including Purdue and Missouri-Rolla Universities. Key areas of investigation will include drive topology (e.g. multilevel architectures), advanced switching devices (e.g. SiC and hybrid Si/SiC switches), thermal drive modeling (e.g. coupled thermal/loss/performance models), and torque ripple mitigation (e.g. novel torque sensing techniques). In Phase II a representative propulsor system will be fabricated and performance demonstrated with both dry dynamometer and in water characterization.