400 Hz Power Converter for Submarines

Since the adoption of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) electronics in military systems, most new ship electronics operate at 60 Hz in common with commercial equipment. Navy systems such as the Tomahawk cruise missile and the ADCAP Mark 48 torpedo, stilloperate at 400 Hz. These weapons systems could be redesigned to operate from ship power at 60 Hz, but the non-recurring-engineering and qualification costs would be substantial. This SBIR effort is focused on developing and qualifying a more cost-effectiveapproach: a low-distortion, quiet, efficient, and reliable 60 Hz to 400 Hz Weapon Power Converter (WPC). The complete Weapon Power Converter comprises a 60-Hz-400-Hz frequency converter, auxiliary DC-DC power supplies, and operational controls.Phase I demonstrated the power electronics and controls required for the WPC. In Phase II, DTI will build prototype and First-Article WPCs, and demonstrate the full electrical and mechanical design. Changes resulting from testing will be incorporated intoa First-Article WPC, which will be environmentally-qualified under the Phase-II option. At the end of Phase II, we will have fully-qualified the WPC, with drawings suitable for in-house production. The production WPC will be highly reliable, with anexpected MTBF of 8.7 years of continuous operation, based on MIL-HDBK-217F.BENEFITS: The power converter technology developed under this SBIR has significant applications beyond the specific submarine weapon system for which it is being developed. High power switching with very low harmonics and noise is needed in other militaryand commercial power control applications, high frequency, high speed motors, and high-voltage utility power conditioning.This technology provides a cost-effective and `clean' solution for frequency conversion between 50 and 60 Hz, and military and commercial aircraft needs.The technology developed under this SBIR, in conjunction with DTI's high-voltage switching technology, is applicable to a wide range of commercial and military power-conditioning and control applications, including power factor correction, VARcompensation, and Flexible AC Transmission Systems.