SBIR-STTR Award

Stable, Programmable, Solid State Solar Simulator for Long Duration Testing
Award last edited on: 1/9/2020

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DOD : AF
Total Award Amount
$899,981
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
AF182-027
Principal Investigator
Patrick Lewis

Company Information

Visionary Products Inc (AKA: VPI~VPI Engineering~VPI Technology Group)

11814 South Election Road Suite 200
Draper, UT 84020
   (801) 495-2310
   request@vpitechnology.com
   www.vpitechnology.com
Location: Single
Congr. District: 04
County: Salt Lake

Phase I

Contract Number: FA9101-19-P-0017
Start Date: 12/3/2018    Completed: 12/3/2019
Phase I year
2019
Phase I Amount
$149,987
VPI Technology Group proposes to develop a solid-state compact solar simulator for increased reliability and control. The simulator incorporates a dense array of LEDs whose aggregate wavelengths and power outputs are representative of solar irradiance at the top of the Earths atmosphere. The designs operational life will be significantly greater than 1,000 hours, and a modular structure permits rapid replacement of aged or malfunctioning components. Up to 42 distinct emitters will cover from far UV (200 nm) to near IR (2500 nm). The user can set each bands power output through either analog or PWM control. Particular emphasis will be given to the power output in the damaging far UV region (200nm400 nm) where we will experiment with laser pumped optical frequency doublers to provide the necessary power.100% of the sun spectra will be generated with solid-state LEDs and lasers, removing the dependence on the time-limited parts used in gas-discharge systems. Local temperature and current monitoring will provide early warning of thermal runaway. Mechanical designfor efficient heat removal permits long term operation. VPI will pursue an aggressive and innovative thermal management design to minimize LED die temperatures and thus maximize the devices operational life.solar,Simulator,UV,Radiation,solid-state,nanometers,Irradiance,Controlled

Phase II

Contract Number: FA9101-20-C-0019
Start Date: 2/11/2020    Completed: 2/11/2021
Phase II year
2020
Phase II Amount
$749,994
The Air Force is seeking a solid-state lighting system to replicate the Sun's Spectrum for their Space Threat Assessment Testbed (STAT) which simulates the natural space environment for testing of satellite materials and components. VPI has proposed a system that leverages state of the art, high efficiency, Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) to cover as much of the Solar Spectrum as possible while incorporating alternative lighting sources to cover portions of the spectrum where LEDs are unavailable. VPI's system allows fine spectral resolution and control within the UV, Visible, and Near-IR, improving the fidelity of the STAT. The LEDs incorporated into the system can be controlled independently, supporting automated calibration and enabling the STAT to test limited portions of the spectrum to support diagnostic and troubleshooting efforts. The LED lighting elements are maintained at a controlled temperature to extend their life to over 10,000 hours of operation. Overall, VPI's proposed system will significantly enhance the capabilities and fidelity of the STAT.