SBIR-STTR Award

We propose to develop a power conversion architecture capable of operating at high power (>100 kW) in high-radiation environments and extreme temperatures. The proposed system is modular, thus providing an array of benefits, including improved thermal management, radiation hardness, and reliability. The innovations that enable this advantageous architecture are (a) proprietary radiation-hard integrated circuit technology under development at Apogee Semiconductor that permits far more sophisticated control than state-of-the-art radiation-hard ICs, and (b) a novel control architecture that ensures proper power sharing among converter modules without centralized communication, thereby allowing for high modularity and elimination of points of global failure. By the end of Phase I, we will have designed and prototyped a set of power converter modules capable of decentralized current sharing at a power level (per module) appropriate to scale up to a full system. The scale model will operate at below 10 kW but will demonstrate robust decentralized control, high power density/efficiency, and low thermal impedance. Accomplishing this objective will require system specification through research, analysis, and simulation prior to prototyping. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) Power distribution and conversion solutions for lunar and Mars bases. These modules can also expand the NASA Advanced Modular Power Systems (AMPS) roadmap. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) Commercial GEO satellite applications. Lunar bases proposed by commercial companies such as SpaceX.

We propose to develop a power conversion architecture capable of operating at high power (>100 kW) in high-radiation environments and extreme temperatures. The proposed system is modular, thus providing an array of benefits, including improved thermal management, radiation hardness, and reliability. The innovations that enable this advantageous architecture are (a) proprietary radiation-hard integrated circuit technology under development at Apogee Semiconductor that permits far more sophisticated control than state-of-the-art radiation-hard ICs, and (b) a novel control architecture that ensures proper power sharing among converter modules without centralized communication, thereby allowing for high modularity and elimination of points of global failure. During Phase I we demonstrated results that validated master-less current sharing and decentralized control. A prototype module was designed and simulated as will be built and validated during Phase II. During Phase II we will validate the proposed controller and power converter architecture, 2) Implement master-less power sharing and phase-shift control on integrated circuit and 3) validate performance of rad-hard module and new power management IC. By the end of Phase II, we will have designed and prototyped a set of rad-hard power converter modules capable of decentralized current sharing at a power level (per module) appropriate to scale up to a full system. The scale model will operate at below 10 kW but will demonstrate robust decentralized control, high power density/efficiency, and low thermal impedance. Accomplishing this objective will require system specification through research, analysis, and simulation prior to prototyping. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): Power distribution and conversion solutions for lunar and Mars bases with knock-on applications for space station power, satellites, rovers, drones, and probes. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): Commercial GEO satellite applications. Lunar bases proposed by commercial companies such as SpaceX. Rad-hard ICs are needed in high-energy physics experiments, nuclear power applications, and medical imaging. Duration: 24