Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: ABSTRACT: To address the Air Force need for versatile satellite power electronics, Physic

Description

ABSTRACT: To address the Air Force need for versatile satellite power electronics, Physical Optics Corporation proposes to develop a new Radiation-Hardened Adaptive Modular Power (RHAMP) system. RHAMP is based on an array of sensor power monitors (SPMs) coupled with space-qualified lithium ion sources that adapt to the fluctuating power needs of the spacecraft electronics during LEO, MEO, and GEO. Each SPM (and associated battery array) is electromechanically linked to allow supplementing the 28 VDC power system when solar harvesting is insufficient to power onboard electronics. The RHAMP system is radiation-hardened both passively and actively to minimize damage during orbit while still maintaining spacecraft power requirements during/after fault events. In Phase I, POC will perform system-level analyses and conduct trade studies to validate the electronic circuit design, source selection, thermal and radiation shielding architecture, and overall power management concept of operations. We will demonstrate system capability with a TRL-2/-3 prototype and conduct in-house testing. In Phase II, POC will demonstrate numerous SPM units managing a variety of space-qualified battery sources and integrate necessary shielding on the component and system levels. Outside testing will include exposure to radiation sources to validate (TRL-5) RHAMP"s ability to withstand the rigors of spaceflight. BENEFIT: The RHAMP system provides a modular and flexible, radiation-hardened, power management system for a variety of satellite applications that will ultimately reduce high life cycle costs that are crippling current space programs. This technology has applications in a variety of military sectors including advanced Naval vessels (e.g., Next Generation Integrated Power Systems (NGIPS)) and power management of the myriad of wearable electronics currently used by the dismounted warfighter. Commercial applications include growing business sectors such as smart power grids for homes, offices, and hybrid and electric vehicles, which are extremely popular due to growing fuel costs around the globe.