Lightweight Power Transformer for Shipboard Electrical Power Distribution Systems

Shipboard power distribution requires both step-up and step-down transformation. Conventional 60Hz transformers, however, are both bulky and heavy. The proposed Phase II effort will develop a prototype 2.7MVA Electronic Transformer that combines high frequency switching power electronics and interphase transformer technology, with advanced digital signal processing for control. While a certain amount of technical risk is associated with this innovative approach, an order of magnitude size and weight reduction is potentially possible. Other potential benefits include voltage regulation, power factor correction, VAR compensation, and harmonic suppression. In Phase I we conducted: (1) Electronic transformer topology trades, (2) A detailed electronic transformer conceptual design, (3) An analysis of liquid-cooling techniques to obtain volume and weight reductions (4) Detailed cost analyses with bills of material, (5) Failure mode and effects analyses, and (6) A study summary – features, benefits, conclusions, and recommendations The recommended electronic transformer technology detailed in the Phase I report is applicable to a wide range of power levels, from kilowatt to multi-megawatt. As future advances in materials such as silicon carbide develop, electronics transformers will be even more attractive. AV, based on prior work, is fully qualified to develop electronic transformers over the full power range.