SBIR/STTR
Silicon Carbide Based Power Mangement and Distribution for Space Nuclear Power Systems, Phase I
Project Introduction
In this SBIR project, APEI, Inc. is proposing to develop a high efficiency, rad-hard, 100's kWe power management and distribution (PMAD) system for space nuclear power systems. The PMAD will utilize SiC JFET power switches; components which APEI, Inc. has irradiated under TID conditions to greater than 3MRad with little to zero change in device performance. The PMAD will implement a modular approach in order to increase efficiency and ease expansion, as well as a multi-level soft-switching power topology which will allow increased transmission voltages (up to 2 kV) and increased efficiency. APEI, Inc. will leverage over a decade of experience in developing high-power, high-density SiC-based power electronic systems in order to realize an efficient, power-dense PMAD solution for space nuclear power systems.
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Anticipated Benefits
Potential NASA Commercial Applications: Industrial Motor Drives In the longer term, industrial motor drive systems could see serious performance improvement through the integration of SiC technology. The large majority of manufacturing machinery in the world incorporates a multitude of industrial motors and drives, the electronics of which often times take up entire walls and significant floor space. Electric UtilityThis application offers a unique opportunity for SiC power electronics the need for 10+kV SiC power devices, an area in which Silicon devices cannot compete. Traditionally, the industry has been dominated by large iron-core transformers and mechanical equipment, such as circuit breakers and relays. These systems, while reliable during routine operation, have long repair and replace times in the field resulting in long power outages and many manhours to isolate the problem and return the grid to operation.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Glenn Research Center
(GRC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Cleveland, Ohio |
| Arkansas Power Electronics International, Inc. | Supporting Organization | Industry | Fayetteville, Arkansas |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Arkansas
-
Ohio
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Glenn Research Center (GRC)
Responsible Program:
- SBIR/STTR
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigator:
Project Duration
Start: Feb 2011
End: Sep 2011
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 2 |
| Current: | 4 |
| Estimated End: | 4 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX11 Software, Modeling, Simulation, and Information Processing
- TX11.1 Software Development, Engineering, and Integrity
- TX11.1.6 Real-time Software
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