High Current Coaxial/Triaxial Power Buswork

A program of research and development is proposed to develop flexible high-current electrical power bus cables, interconnections, joints, and switchgear for use in electric propulsion for Navy ships. The full system will handle currents up to 200,000 A for low- voltage (less than 1,000 V) DC or AC power distribution. The innovative geometry of the proposed cables, interconnections, and joints theoretically eliminates magnetic signatures by inherently cancelling the magnetic field due to each conductor. This state-of-the-art design will minimize magnetic detection by mines and enemy reconnaissance equipment, decrease fastening requirements by reducting magnetic forces and eliminate possible biological side effects on personnel. In Phase 1, Diversified Technologies, Inc. (DTI) will design and build and test scaled-down 2,000 A prototype hardware for feasibility studies and proof of concept. In the Phase I Option program, DTI will study the tradeoffs and problems of paralleling multiple bus cables to design a 20,000 A power distribution system. Fabrication of a 200,000 A prototype system will take place during Phase H.