SBIR-STTR Award

This proposal is to demonstrate a new DC-DC converter that meets power density, power, life, thermal and cost goals for SEA sparkers. Phase I will include characterizing DC-DC performance in charging a capacitive load of a SEA sparker as well as with a stand-alone SEA sparker system. Test results will be used to design and estimate the cost of a DC-DC converter for use in a SEA sparker, leading to a design of a new SEA sparker and that incorporates the benefits of the more compact converter. In Phase II the new converter design will be built and tested and prototyped for manufacturing, and the new SEA sparker built and tested at sea in a new sparker for SEA.

Keywords:
Dc-Dc Converter, Sparker, Acoustic Source, Compact, High Power Density

This Phase II is to develop a compact low cost DC-DC converter for SEA sonobuoy sparker modules, implement the converter into sparker modules in an appropriate form factor, and conduct demonstration sea tests. Phase II addresses increased conversion efficiency and power density, based on Phase I results. The initial task addresses technology improvements identified in Phase I, leading to the development of a specification for a new SEA buoy and prototype development. The converter will then be packaged and integrated into sparker modules and tested both in the laboratory and at sea. The development work will lead to a prototype SEA sparker.

Keywords:
Dc-Dc Converter, Sparker, Acoustic Source