MAINSTREAM ENGINEERING CORP — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: With the advent of pulse energy weapons, the transient characteristics of military aircraf

Description

With the advent of pulse energy weapons, the transient characteristics of military aircraft power systems is changing. These new loads require power supplies that shield the pulse transient from the electrical distribution system, while also being highly efficient, power dense, and reliable. Mainstream proposes a lightweight, modular, hybrid pulse energy delivery system that is scalable to applications greater than 150 kW. The proposed solution will reduce the total system volume by 50%, lower cost by 30%, and increase reliability by 20% over current solutions. This high level of power density is achieved without the use of high temperature SiC semiconductors, which can significantly increase system cost. In Phase I, Mainstream will optimize the power electronic and thermal management system architecture, and develop the control system for both. Mainstream will also fabricate a small-scale prototype incorporating energy storage elements and the associated power electronic interface, experimentally verifying pulse power operation. In Phase II, Mainstream will demonstrate a full-scale prototype on a simulated aircraft power system. Mainstream"s proposed technology will not only improve the reliability and power density of military aircraft pulse power supplies, but can also satisfy commercial power supply goals.