SBIR-STTR Award

Present ram air turbine (RAT) generators use variable blade pitch geometry to maintain constant speed to produce constant frequency electrical power. The variable blade pitch control and actuation systems have poor demonstrated reliability and add weight and cost to the generation system. RAT generator such as this are used to power the RADAR jamming pod (AN/ALQ99) presently carried by the EA-6B Prowler aircraft; the only airborne electronic warfare capable asset for the joint armed services. This proposal seeks to develop a variable-speed constant-frequency (VSCF) generator and electronics package which when coupled to a RAT with fixed blade pitch will result in a more reliable, lower system weight/size, and less costly solution for producing constant frequency electrical power. The proposed generator system employs permanent magnet technology and reduced-rating power electronics to achieve these goals. This allows the RAT to be operated nearer its ideal aerodynamic operating speeds in variable wind conditions. This Phase I project will result in analytical development of candidate designs with comparison to the present product solution and other competing alternatives. A follow on Phase II will result in prototype hardware design, fabrication, and testing. Phase III will produce RAT generator systems for military platform installation and testing.

Satcon proposes to fabricate and test an advanced technology power generation and distribution system for underwater power systems with an initial focus on torpedo applications. We will leverage our experience in Naval power distribution converters, generators, and active ONR propulsion programs as a baseline design. Key attributes of the power generation and distribution system development effort are power dense alternator optimization and multi-output regulator design targeting high efficiency, power density, and low total ownership cost. In Phase II a representative drive system will be fabricated and performance demonstrated in the laboratory and then in a relevant environment in the Option phases.

Keywords:
Alternator, Torpedo, Ship Service Generator, Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (Uuv), Regulator,