Lightweight Power Transformer for Shipboard Electrical Power Distribution Systems

As with most forms of transportation, ships have weight and volume constraints relative to operational equipment. Conventional transformers, in use to convert high voltage electric power to lower voltages and vice versa, are both heavy and big. With recent advances in semiconductor devices and digital control, "Electronic Transformers" can replace conventional transformers while providing a factor of three weight and size reductions. Electronic Transformers can potentially also provide side benefits such as voltage regulation, power factor correction, VAR compensation, and low harmonics. The proposed Phase I effort will investigate the feasibility of developing such Electronic Transformers. Conventional transformers have the advantage of relatively low cost and high full-load efficiency. Thus, the value of the weight and size reductions, and power system benefits that the Electronic Transformers provide, will have to offset lower efficiencies and potentially higher costs. Systems analyses and trade studies may show that Electronic Transformers compete very well. AeroVironment will overcome the many technical challenges leveraging experience from recent transformer/inductor development projects and digital control development projects. By demonstrating feasibility, we will help enable the Navy to improve shipboard electrical systems operations, while reducing electrical equipment weight and volume claims.