SBIR-STTR Award

In Phase I the TCG Team will show the feasibility of their medium voltage direct current (MVDC) casualty power system. The system will include elements similar to shore power connector technology for safety and monitoring. A concept will be developed and analyzed to estimate its cost, weight, volume requirements, and the time required by the crew to deploy the system. A hazard analysis will be performed to ensure the concept is safe to deploy and operate. Technical risks associated with the concept will be identified. Based on the results of Phase I, and any modifications recommended by the Navy, during the Phase I Option the TCG Team will produce draft specifications and provide a capabilities description for the prototype components of the system to be manufactured and tested in Phase II. This may include basic drawing(s) for system components based on the characteristics of the system. It will include design modifications to optimize system design, minimize cost and weight, and meet the requirements of the Navy. Benefits of the new MVDC casualty power system will include an affordable, lightweight, and safe system to provide power to zones aboard ship isolated by damage.

Benefit:
MVDC Casualty Power cables will provide a means to continue to operate critical systems and to fight the ship despite damage to the primary power distribution system. The challenge that the higher voltages present over existing 450VAC casualty power systems involve ensuring the safety of the circuit before power is applied. While there are limited commercial applications for portable/temporary power in this voltage range, the basic concepts involving a system that is aware of its configuration and which can intelligently apply power only when safe to do so can have application in other scenarios where temporary power is used. Potential examples include the mining and construction industries, electrically-powered transportation systems such as subways and trains, or temporary power systems for emergency response.

Keywords:
Medium Voltage DC, Medium Voltage DC, power cables, medium voltage DC power connectors, portable power cables, Casualty Power System, power terminals,, temporary power systems

In Phase II the TCG Team prototype MVDC casualty power system will be tested to validate its capability to restore MVDC power quickly and safely to electrical equipment in zones isolated from power generation by damage, through zones between the source and the rest of the system. During the Phase I Option, draft specifications were developed by the TCG Team based on the Phase I concept design. Phase II testing will verify that the prototype meets the draft specification requirements for design characteristics. MVDC casualty power system testing will verify that the system will operationally achieve its concept technical design, will be safe to operate, will meet human engineering objectives for the crew, and will be suitable for a shipboard environment. The test results will also provide input to a MVDC casualty power system design practices and criteria manual for implementation of the system in future combatant ship designs. Benefits of the new MVDC casualty power system will include an affordable, lightweight, and safe system to provide MVDC power to zones aboard ship isolated by damage.

Benefit:
MVDC Casualty Power cables will provide a means to continue to operate critical systems and to fight the ship despite damage to the primary power distribution system. The challenge that the higher voltages present over existing 450VAC casualty power systems involve ensuring the safety of the circuit before power is applied. While there are limited commercial applications for portable/temporary power in this voltage range, the basic concepts involving a system that is aware of its configuration and which can intelligently apply power only when safe to do so can have application in other scenarios where temporary power is used. Potential examples include the mining and construction industries, electrically-powered transportation systems such as subways and trains, or temporary power systems for emergency response.

Keywords:
MVDC Cable Assembly, portable power cables, medium voltage DC power connectors, power terminals, MVDC Casualty Power, Casualty Power System, temporary power systems, medium voltage DC power cables