SBIR-STTR Award

Modular Power System Configured with Standard Product Hybrid DC-DC Converters
Award last edited on: 10/12/2005

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
NASA : JSC
Total Award Amount
$675,000
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
-----

Principal Investigator
Daniel M Sable

Company Information

VPT Inc (AKA: Virginia Power Technologies Inc)

1971 Kraft Drive Po Box 253
Blacksburg, VA 24060
   (540) 552-5000
   gskutt@vpt-inc.com
   www.vpt-inc.com
Location: Multiple
Congr. District: 09
County: Montgomery

Phase I

Contract Number: ----------
Start Date: ----    Completed: ----
Phase I year
2005
Phase I Amount
$75,000
VPT proposes an innovative concept whereby complex, multiple-output, DC-DC converter systems can be configured through use of only 2 standard product hybrid DC-DC Converter modules. The key module attributes that make this feasible are: programmable output, parallel current-sharing capability, synchronization capability, dual (plus and minus) output voltage, 500V input-output-case isolation, external shutdown, total dose and single event effects radiation hardening, and ability to be element evaluated, screened, and qualified to MIL PRF 38534 Class K (space flight) standards. Once these attributes are satisfied, it is shown that highly complex systems can be designed and delivered with a minimum of nonrecurring engineering. This includes 28V or 100V input systems, low voltage and higher voltage outputs, and highly varying output power. The system allows output series operation for increased output voltage, as well as input series operation to accommodate increased input voltages. This is all accomplished without the need of a centralized controller. This confines most of the common failure modes to graceful degradation as opposed to catastrophic shut down. In Phase I, it is demonstrated that a complex, multiple output system, 100Vin, 1KW system is configured with multiple 100W, 28V input modules.

Phase II

Contract Number: ----------
Start Date: ----    Completed: ----
Phase II year
2006
Phase II Amount
$600,000
VPT proposes an innovative concept whereby complex NASA space power electronic systems can be configured using a small number of qualified hybrid DC-DC converter and EMI filter modules. This significantly reduces nonrecurring engineering in the design of space power converters. In the SBIR Phase I, VPT configured a space station power converter using a VPT standard product hybrid DC-DC converter and EMI filter. The system met all Space Station power quality requirements including the very challenging input impedance requirement. Two engineering units were developed and went through a full battery of space station power quality tests NASA-JSC. The approach also demonstrated a significant size and weight savings. The phase II workplan includes: (a) selection of three NASA power system applications across different branches for development of detailed power requirements, (b) design and build engineering units of each of these systems using a modular approach of VPT hybrid converters and subject each to engineering tests, (c) make necessary changes to selected VPT standard product hybrid converters in order to meet NASA requirements for design, parts selection, element evaluation, screening, radiation hardness, and qualification, (d) build a qualification unit for one system and subject it to formal qualification tests.