Megawatt Digital Generator Control Unit (MDGCU) for Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) Applications

Directed Energy weapon systems are being developed for both ground and airborne applications. Typically, they consist of microwave or laser powered guns. Both the microwave application and the diode based laser applications require significant amount of power. Application of power is a transient phenomenon that takes time and its effects ripple through the whole system. In this case, the large applied power, which is required for a short duration, can have a more significant effect on the system. There are four entities that interact affecting the performance of the control system: Controls, Power Generation, Propulsion and Load IPS is proposing to explore the interaction between these systems and provide an optimal solution for controlling this class of Megawatt generators. IPS is proposing to use PC Krause as their consultants who will help with system modeling so that realistic results will be attained. IPS is currently under contract on an SBIR Phase II (AF01-178) to develop a 1 MW intermittent power generator. To test this generator once it is built, a regulator, will be required. Because of the reasons described above, exploring the difficulties and identifying solutions now, are imperative to successful system testing in the near future.