Wireless Advanced Variable Speed Drive for Naval Auxiliary Loads

SatCon Technology Corporation working with 3eTI will develop a Wireless Advanced Variable Speed (WAVeS) Drive system for the LPD-17 ship to improve mission effectiveness and reduce Total Ownership Cost (TOC) auxiliary load drive systems. This will be achieved by demonstrating advanced technology developed by these two US small businesses that provides enabling capabilities, improved performance over variable speed drives based on COTS drive components from large industrial manufacturers, and will enhance the competitiveness of US-based small businesses as major suppliers for the next generation US Naval fleet and All Electric Ship program thrusts. In Phase I, we will perform a trade study comparison and concept design to develop an optimized solution and establish the feasibility of the final approach. The result of a subsequent Phase II program will be the design, fabrication, and testing of a demonstration WAVeS Drive. The present target is a 60HP main reduction gear lube oil pump drive suitable for proceeding into military qualification testing in Phase III.