SBIR-STTR Award

UAVs are carrying out missions which were once reserved to manned aircraft only. These missions require that the UAV carries more and more sophisticated equipment which consumes large amount of electric power. The power requirement vary, and sometime consist of both AC power with a fixed frequency, and high voltage DC power. As power requirement grow the need for an electrical power system which is efficient, light weight, with high power density becomes critical. In response to this STTR topic, IPS is proposing an electric power generation system which consists of the following equipment: 160 kVA, 6 Phase, Permanent Magnet Generator (PMG) 160kVA Converter with 270 VDC output 30 kVA, 6 Phase, 115 VAC, Variable Frequency Generator 30 kVA Variable Speed Constant Frequency The proposed PMG based system will be significantly lighter and more efficient due to the elimination of all electrical rotor losses. IPS is proposing to partner with the Electrical engineering Department of the University of Virginia. Professor Zongli Lin and his staff, have extensive experience in designing, simulating and analyzing electromagnetic designs, using both wound and PM rotor technologies, through their involvement with UVAs ROMAC (Rotating Machines) lab, developing magnetic bearings.

Benefit:
The technology developed as a result of the proposed effort will provide substantial increase in power density for generator systems that will result in smaller size and weight or increased power output out of a given envelope. Potential applications for this technology are any aircraft that requires increased power and where the new generator is driven by the existing engine/gearbox. Immediate examples are the UAVs and other aircraft applications. Commercial airlines are using significantly increased electric power because of the incorporation of entertainment and communication systems to every seat in the aircraft. Furthermore, future aircrafts will have the generator directly mounted to the engine Low Pressure Turbine prompting issues of size, weight and overhung moment, which could all be alleviated by higher power density generators.

Keywords:
270Vdc, 270Vdc, Converter, Power generation, permanent magnet, VSCF, Generator