Advanced Materials and Design of WBG Power Electronics for Rotorcraft Modernization

Kaney, Inc. proposes utilizing advanced Wide Band-Gap (WBG) materials based SiC and GaN power switching devices in power electronics conversion equipment to improve components and systems efficiencies on Army rotorcraft. Kaney recognizes the objectives of this SBIR Topic is to modernize rotorcraft electrical systems. Today’s rotorcraft electrical systems are composed of three phase 400Hz 115V Generation System with a primary AC power distribution system. Three phase AC is rectified by a Regulated Transformer Rectifier Unit (RTRU) to produce necessary 28VDC for the rotorcraft low voltage loads. In response to the architecture study, Kaney’s Phase I proposal also includes preliminary design work for power electronic LRUs, as determined by the architecture study. This proposal provides solutions for the following equipment: (1) AC to 28 VDC RTRU function, (2) AC to 270 VDC Converter, (3) 270 VDC to 115V AC Inverter for the Start function and (4) 270 VDC to 115 V AC (up to 135 kVA).