Collective Protection System Variable Speed Drive Expansion

In this SBIR Phase II, Figure Engineering will develop a Collective Protection System (CPS) Variable Speed Drive (VSD) Expansion technology that will modernize the U.S. Department of NavyÆs (DON) shipboard CPS, which is responsible for protecting the crew from chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) threats. Legacy CPS technology is simply on or off and provides no information to the crew in the Central Control Station (CCS), so situational awareness is not available unless a sailor visits each CPS zone to confirm in-spec operation. Additionally, if components fail or a fan room were to flood, the crew would be completely unaware sometimes for weeks or months. CPS VSD Expansion will provide accurate and current data from sensors and provide additional sensor information as necessary to facilitate higher situational awareness and preventative maintenance. Furthermore, the VSD capability will enable a multi-mode operation to reduce fan speed when CBR threats are not present. This will lead to approximately 60% reduction in CPS energy consumption and prolong component life, therefore reducing lifecycle cost for the Navy and improving fleet readiness.