Many precision pointing and tracking systems operate in vibration environments that require vibration isolation to chieve desired performance. active vibration isolation systems utilizing high-force capability, nonlinear magnetic actuators are a promising means of achieving the required high… More

New spacecraft designs feature large structures characterized by low natural frequencies, lightly damped structural modes, and stringent pointing and vibration performance requirements. these large space structures (lss) pose unique and difficult control problems. an important part of the solutions… More

A need exists for innovative bearing concepts that may be employed in turbine engines and other large rotating equipment. these bearing concepts will allow higher rotational speed, higher reliability, better control of machine dynamics and a general improvement in the machine performance efficiency.… More

A replacement battery for the thermal battery currently being used in the mk 48 torpedo is sought. this replacement battery should perform as a form, fit, and function replacement for the existing battery but allow multiple firing attempts. flywheel energy storage is a promising means of… More

New spacecraft designs feature large structures characterized by low natural frequencies, lightly damped structural modes, and stringent shape control requirements. these large space structures (lss) pose unique and difficult control problems. an important part of the solutions to these control… More

A need exists to develop a reliable, cost effective power plant and storage system for an electromagnetic aircraft launcher. this system can best be developed around a high energy density flywheel coupled to an advanced electric generator. conventional power generation concepts would be used to… More

The advent of optical disk recording technology has made possible a family of high-data-rate, high capability memory devices. these devices provide gigabit-per-second data rates and terabit capability through the use of arrays of solid state lasers applied to an optical disk stack. bearings are an… More

The introduction of the turbine power plant as a torpedo prime mover created a speed and torque mismatch between the power plant and the propeller. conventional geartrain technology is currently used to transform engine shaft output to that required by the propeller. the inherent mesh noise… More

Precision pointing of large payloads requires torques and angular momentum storage capacities that are large in comparison to the capabilities of available hardware. in addition, the pointing actuator must have extremely low torque jitter. high torque and low noise combine to produce an extremely… More

Magnetic bearings represent a promising approach to controlling the large angular momentums and imbalances associated with space based power generating machinery. without this control, these large angularmomentums and imbalances would lead to unacceptable torsional and translational interactions… More

A requirement exists on space station to provide an environment having a maximum acceleration of a micro-g. meeting this requirement necessitates active isolation from space station structural disturbances. magnetic suspensionsare an extremely promising approach to implementing these active… More

Angular momentum exchange effectors have several advantages over thrusters. these include reduced maintenance (fluid must be periodically replaced) and improved compatibility with optics (no effluents). high-rate slewing of large payloads, however, will require torques (tens of thousands of… More

The advent of optical disk recording technology has made possible a family of high-data-rate, high-capability memory devices. bearings are an enabling technology area where improvements are required to allow these systems to be utilized in space applications. air bearings, utilized in ground-based… More

A new method for measuring bolt tension directly is proposed which exploits the relationship between stress and magnetic flux density in magnetostrictive materials. a conventional washer is either replaced or supplemented by a washer made from a magnetostrictive alloy. a wrench, modified to include… More

Micro-electronic fabrication technologies have recently been applied to produce novel micro-mechanical devices such as motors, sensors, and actuators. their small size and easy integration with microelectronics invite innovative research, but thus far few useful application concepts have been… More

Sat-con technology corporation proposes to assist the u.s. army in the development of a direct electric tail rotor integrated drive (detrid) system for helicopters. this is an innovative approach for helicopters in which the tail rotor blade acts as the rotor of an electric motor, providing the… More

New spacecraft designs feature large structures characterized by low natural frequencies, lightly damped structural modes, and stringent shape control requirements. these large space structures (lss) pose unique and difficult control problems. an important part ofthe solution to this control problem… More

The objective of this project is to develop an innovative ion source that produces higher ion current and more highly charged ions than conventional ion sources. an electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ecris) produces ions by creating a plasma in an open-ended magnetic field (a "magnetic… More

Satcon has developed an eddy current-based vibration damper ready to advance disc drives, home audio and video equipment, vibration isolation systems for industry and instrumentation, and even automobile suspensions. these dampers are remarkable for their linearity, reliability, wide range of… More

Existing optical fiber guidance payout tension and torque measurement systems (ttms) have inadequate performance. vibrations limit systems using air bearings and calibrated load cells to sampling rates onthe order of ten hertz. mounting the payout bobbin on an instrumented beam achieves acceptable… More

An innovative application of the position dependence of the mutual inductance between two coils is proposed for sensing the rotational parameters required by a free gyro seeker of a multi-spectrum guidancesystem. a set of series resonant static transmitting coils excite one or more tuned passive… More

Centrifuges operating in a field environment have to be compact, light weight, rugged and reliable by definition. available centrifuges have reliability issues related to the robustness of the mechanisms supporting the centrifuge rotor. the mass imbalance introducted on the rotor by asymmetrically… More

The innovation in this project is a flywheel energy-storage system designed specifically to provide load leveling in an advanced launch system (als) employing electromechanical actuators (ema). one of the major advantages of an ema system is that it significantly reduces the total energy consumed… More

The overall high rate of successful cardiac catheterizations for diagnosis or angioplasty has been offset by the significant number of failures in these often crucial procedures. a common difficulty stems from the inability to precisely direct movements of the percutaneously introduced catheter tip… More

The Navy has expressed an interest in developing a combined power and roll control module to improve the utilization of the volume within a missile envelope. Combined power and attitude control modules have been proposed before for orbiting spacecraft with emphasis on high specific energies (kJ/lb).… More

Future Army rotorcraft/air-vehicle systems will require advances in survivability, operability and supportability. SatCon Technology Corporation proposes to design, fabricate, and demonstrate an integrated swashplate hydraulic actuation system for control of helicopter vibrations which will allow… More

Integrated power and attitude control system (ipacs) studiesperformed over a decade ago established the feasibility of simultaneously storing electrical energy in wheels utilizingthe resulting momentum for spacecraft attitude control. it was shown that such a system possessed many advantages over… More

Previously designed magnetometers using a tunneling-tip to measure magnetostrictive expansions have important limitations including high sensitivity to vibration and temperature. this work will design a microfabricated magnetometer based on these same principles that has many advantages over the… More

A new class of adaptive materials is proposed that uses magnetostrictive actuation and provides a superior alternative to piezoelectric materials now under development. a unique characteristic of magnetostrictive materials is the contactless transfer of power to the material, through magnetic… More

Mechanical bearings require lubricant, produce frictional heat, resist starting, have surface chemistry problems, and require substantial support equipment for cooling and lubricant delivery. designing bearings for extended operation in a high-temperature environment is, at best, difficult. magnetic… More

Satcon technology corporation proposes to design, fabricate, and demonstrate a advanced induction servomotor and control system concept having high positioning precision coupled with outstanding electrical noise characteristics. the concept will incorporate a unique multi-disk, axial air-gap… More

Many spacecraft optical/mechanical applications such as spectrometers require high levels of positioning precision, unobtainable with conventional approaches, coupled with extremely high reliability. satcon technology corporation proposes to develop and demonstrate a high precision movement for… More

Micro-electronic fabrication technologies have recently beenapplied to produce such novel micro-mechanical devices as motors, sensors, and actuators. their small size and their easy integration with micro-electronics invite innovative research, but, thus far, few useful application concepts have… More

This project addresses means to improve the operational performance and lifetime of existing reaction and momentum wheel assemblies on spacecraft. instrumentation carried on spacecraft is becoming ever more sensitive and intolerant to vibrations caused by mass unbalance on reaction-momentum wheels.… More

High flying drones propelled by fixed speed fans have been successfully flown before. the fixed speed is dictated by the characteristics of the turbine prime driver which delivers highest efficiency at a particular speed. the fixed speed constraint compromises the fan performance considerably, even… More

An alternate tail rotor for the AH-IW will yield an attack helicopter which is more maneuverable, quieter, and less susceptible to battle damage. All of the evaluation criteria cited in the Solicitation point toward using a fan-in-fin tail rotor and developing approaches to eliminate the tail rotor… More

SatCon Technology Corporation will develop an ultra high precision force transducer based on the electron-tunneling effect. Precision force transducers have wide application in all manner of physical control systems as feedback sensors. In addition to being central to the operation of precision… More

There is a need for improved sensor technology for the control of large space structures. a novel six degree of freedom, superconducting multi-sensor is proposed. the configuration features a superconducting proof inertia suspended by magnetic forces in a rebalance configuration with tunneling-tip… More

SatCon Technology Corporation proposes to develop an all-electric vehicle suspension which utilizes a switched linear reluctance machine (LRM) and associated drive and control electronics. The low losses of switched reluctance machines, while operating under high loads and motions of varying… More

An electric-motor driven Inlet Particle Sepatator (IPS) blower is an ideal solution to a number of technical problems related to eliminating sand and dust erosion of turboshaft engine components. A motor which does not require liquid lubricant would be even more desirable since the inlet area of… More

Future military rotorcraft will require significant increase in maneuverability and handling qualities with low detectability for air-to-air combat and nap of the earth operations. SatCon Technology Corporation proposes to develop innovative blade design concepts using smart material/structures to… More

Future army rotorcraft/air-vehicle systems will require advances in survivability, operability and supportability. satcon technology corporation proposes to design, fabricate, and demonstrate an integrated actuation system for individual control of helicopter rotor blades which will allow… More

NASA requires micro-miniature precision stages which can be used for positioning of small lightweight devices such as optical mirrors. SatCon is proposing, as the essential actuator element, a micromachined, electrostatically deflected, compound cantilever. The cantilevers will be micromachined with… More

The innovation proposed is a flywheel energy storage system designed specifically to serve as a high rate energy source for electro-mechanical actuation (EMA) systems. Recent advances in composite materials, permanent magnet motors, bearings, and power control electronics have led to flywheel energy… More

A fast, high accuracy X-Y translation table has been identified as desirable for nano lithography instruments. Over a wafer size of 3"x3", the translation table has to localize to a 20x20 um zone, and within this zone have a positioning accuracy better than 10 nanometers with a sweep speed of 20… More

The Army wishes to develop low cost, acceleration survivable gyroscopes and accelerometers for peojectile guidance systems. SatCon has identified a novel angular rate sensor which has been shown to be undamaged after gun induced accelerations of up to 25,000 g. Our device is a microfabricated… More

Progress in electric flight control has been hindered by the lack of a high bandwidth actuator. The challenge is to identify an efficient, responsive, and powerdense source of mechanical displacement. Actuators based on "giant" magnetostrictive materials, such as Terfenol, achieve very high magnetic… More

Magnetostrictive materials have been successfully used in single-axis actuator designs to produce forces over 3500 pounds, strains of 1200 ppm, and have bandwidths past 10,000 Hertz. Terfenol-D, the "giant strain" magnetostrictive material is an excellent candidate to produce a high power density… More

SatCon Technology Corporation proposes to design, fabricate, and demonstrate a quiet, compact, variable speed, electric propulsion system with four magnetic signatures to be used in small mobile underwater vehicles. The goal of this program is to develop a propulsion system concept having minimal… More

The Air Force requires "G hardened" miniature sensors for real time measurements during in-barrel and free-flight model testing. SatCon has identified and recently evaluated a microscopic version of a simple, robust, roll sensor geometry well suited for operation under extremelyhigh accelerations… More

One advanced structural concept with enormous potential is the active control of wing camber. Current wing designs are compromises at all but one optimal airspeed. The capacity to alter camber as flight conditions change will provide greater lift and maneuverability, reduced dray, increased range,… More

The Army's need for a compact, power dense gas turbine engine can be met by utilizing the heat rejected by the intercooler and exhaust of a intercooled engine. SatCon is in the process of building and testing a 500 HP, twin rotor, intercooled, turbo-alternator for the Chrysler Corporation. The… More

New integrated circuit fabrication technologies will require rapid positioning, with accuracies in the nanometer range, over a workspace spanning hundreds of millimeters. This will require a two-stage mechanism: One stage capable of moving over a large span, carrying a smaller "mini-actuator." As… More

Rugged, reliable, light weight Uninterruptable Power Supplies (UPS) are needed to protect critical C4I systems from power failure in the field environment. Commercially available UPS provide this protection but are prohibitively large and heavy. SatCon Technology Corporation proposes to develop an… More

SatCon proposes to develop cost effective permanent magnet variable speed drives (PM VSD's) for auxiliary applications on US Navy ships by integrating high density drive electronics with innovative PM motor designs to create a standardized set of rotating power modules with common electrical and… More

Sat Con proposes to develop permanent magnet varia ble speed drives (PMVSDs) for US Navy submarine auxiliary applications by integrating high density drive electronics with innovative PM motor designs. This will create a standardized set of rotating power modules with common… More

SatCon proposes to develop a gearless high torque density permanent magnet machine for traction motor applications. The combination of a large diameter air gap, high coercivity rare earth magnets, and a high ratio of magnet length to pole pitch permits torque densities in excess of 1600… More

Magnetic bearings will dramatically improve performance of gas turbine engines by permitting high rotor speeds and combustion temperatures. Lubrication systems are also eliminated, reducing weight and logistic support. These huge potential benefits are essential to the Integrated High Performance… More

SatCon Technology Corporation proposes to develop the next generation power controller module aimed at the integrated control and power functions desired for the Power Electronics Building Block (PEBB) which has broad goverment and commercial interest. Building on power hybrid technology advances… More

This proposal describes the development of a novel inductive/dielectric sensor-based composite flywheel diagnostic system for high rotational speed applications such as locomotive drivetrain energy storage. The proposed diagnostic system will combine composite flywheel strength and fatigue models… More

40816 November 13, 1996 SatCon Technology Corporation While cost-effective, high performance electric motors are crucial to the success of any electric or hybrid-electric vehicle program, their manufacturability is the primary impediment to their… More

The Army's need for lightweight, high performance alternators could be met by high frequency, high speed integrated alternator-generator sets using SatCon's in-house expertise in high-speed machinery and knowledge of state-of-the-art technology and materials. SatCon is in the process of fabricating… More

SatCon proposes to develop two in-line high power density permanetn generators for light tactical vehicle applications. The combination of a large diameter rotor, high energy-product rare earth magnets, and a large magnet length permits brushless power generation capability well in excess of that… More

Most helicopters in use and in production today carry tail rotors that are mechanically driven from the main turboshaft powerplant through a complex system of shafts, transmissions, and couplings. The configuration requires intensive maintenance and continuous monitoring for signs of possible… More

92 New Insulation Techniques for High Voltage, High Frequency Motors--SatCon Technology Corporation, 161 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02142-1221; (617) 661-0540 Mr. Christopher P. Brown, Principal Investigator Mr. David B. Eisenhaure, Business Official DOE Grant No.… More

SatCon Technology Corporation proposes to design, and analyze a 100 HP, 500 RPM magnetically suspended, rim-driven propulsor drive for use in a Naval underwater system. The contactless nature of magnetic bearings will improve efficiency, increase bearing life, reduce maintenance, and eliminate… More

The BMDO as part of its kinetic energy systems development requires an expendable, inertial guidance package. SatCon is proposing to develop an angular rate sensor combined with an accelerometer which are microfabricated on a single "chip" using the LIGA lithographic process. The accelerometer… More

SatCon proposes to explore innovative phase-change thermal control schemes for high speed/power-density electric machines. Several cooling schemes will be investigated which utilize different physical mechanisms to drive the process. sy utilizing the fluid's latent heat of vaporization high power… More

DARPA wishes to exploit MEMS technology to develop a tactical grade INS. SatCon is proposing to develop an angular rate sensor combined with an accelerometer which are microfabricated on a single "chip" using the LIGA lithographic process. The accelerometer element employs a rebalanced cantilever,… More

Oriented composites of PZT and polymer can have properties superior to ordinary PZT as drivers for sonar transducers and hydrophones because they have a lower Poisson ratio, and a lower dielectric constant. Terfenol-D is superior to ordinary PZT because it has larger maximum strains and higher… More

Magnetic bearings will dramatically improve performance of gas turbine engines by permitting high rotor speeds and combustion temperatures. Lubrication systems are also eliminated, reducing weight and logistic support. These huge potential benefits are essential to the Integrated High Performance… More

50493-98-I Passive Phase-Change Augmented Thermal Management Scheme for Induction Motors--SatCon Technology Corporation, 161 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02142-1207; (617) 661-0540 Dr. Edward J. Ognibene, Principal Investigator Mr. David B. Eisenhaure, Business Official DOE Grant No.… More

The BMDO as part of its kinetic energy systems development requires an expendable, inertial guidance package. SatCon is proposing to develop an angular rate sensor combined with an accelerometer which are microfabricated on a single "chip" using the LIGA lithographic process. The accelerometer… More

Noise from machinery and other sources may be controlled passively by high transmission loss panels and damping, or actively using discrete localized sensors and actuators to cancel noise. Effective enclosures for passive noise control are often heavy, especially below 500 Hz, while active noise… More

Current Satellite antenna pointing systems utilize electromagnetically driven gimbals supported by conventional ball bearings. Ball bearings require lubricants have limited life and produce stiction limiting pointing accuracy and stability.

optimized torpedo-compatible design; identify an appropriate control algorithm; demonstrate feasibility in the lab; and delineate the major items of a follow-on prototype test program.

Not Available Silicon Carbide (SiC) is an attractive material for use in high power and high temperature devices. We are proposing to develop novel growth systems and growth processes for the 2 wafer growth of SiC. Experiment and calculations performed have demonstrated that 250-300 degrees C is… More

The objective of the Phase II effort is to design, develop, anddemonstrate the basis for a modular Power Electronic BuildingBlocks type architecture for moderate power level Navy militaryand industrial power systems. This effort will continue thework on modular mechanical and electrical components… More

An ultra-sensitive optical biosensing platform will be constructed for the rapid detection and identification of single microbes. The sensing platform is based on a novel self-compensating optical transducer design immune to thermal and mechanicalperturbations, as demonstrated in Phase I. The… More

The development of compact, light-weight power-electronics for driving underwater acoustic transducers has been the subject of research over the past 30 or more years. Improvements have occurred in parallel with advances in power electronic switchingdevices, most notably, the development of the… More

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a planar magnetic levitator/positioner for precision microelectronics manufacturing equipment. Based on feasibility proven in Phase I, Phase II will design, construct, and test a minimum-actuator maglev stage that can be… More

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a planar magnetic levitator/positioner for precision microelectronics manufacturing equipment. Based on feasibility proven in Phase I, Phase II will design, construct, and test a minimum-actuator maglev stage that can be… More

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is proposed that utilizes magnetorheological (MR) fluids. Using a typical MR fluid with a saturation yield stress of 70 kPa at 1600 Oe, it appears feasible to design a 60 hp CVT within the desired volumetricfootprint: 3-inch axial length and 10-inch… More

The proposed Phase I will explore the application of composites of polymer and ferromagnetic shape memory alloys (FSMAs) to passive structural vibration damping. The large hysteresis present in the stress-strain behavior of NiMnGa, a ferromagnetic shapememory alloy (FSMA), and other shape memory… More

Silicon carbide has long held the promise of founding a new generation of higher-density power electronics and its beneficial characteristics of higher temperature and higher frequency operation have been demonstrated. The question of how to package andapply SiC devices to take best advantage of… More

Construction of a state-of-the-art hybrid vehicle propulsion motor drive including dynamometer and instrumentation for performance measurement is in progress for Phase I. Baseline performance using a silicon semiconductor based inverter and high-speedinduction motor will be established. Phase I… More

The Phase II will continue development of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that utilizes magnetorheological (MR) fluids. The Phase I program investigated several CVT concepts and defined a design and control approach for a 50 hp CVT that fitswithin the space available (10-inch dia x 3-inch… More

70573 Advances in both the motor and power electronics converters are needed for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) traction drive applications. In particular, improved constant power performance needs to be demonstrated over a wide speed range. This project will design and test an interior… More

SatCon will investigate materials and and innovative designs to increase the power density and high temperature reliability of power electronics in Military Hybrid Electric Vehicles. We will focus on switch modules for DC/DC conversion that can servenumerous applications as well as motor drives.… More

"SatCon Technology Corporation proposes to develop a modular, expandable 60 Hz to 400 Hz power converter system for shipboard power conversion applications. The proposal objectives in support of this converter are twofold. The primary objective will be toimplement a converter that meets the output… More

"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 weightand cost to the generation system. RAT… More

"This program will prove the practicality and feasibility of a high-temperature motor controller board suitable for operation at a heat sink temperature of 150¿C. We will design a microprocessor-based digital controller that will control an electric motorby means of PWM with the possibility to… More

Silicon carbide diodes capable of the standard blocking voltages of 600V, 1200V, and 3300V and low forward currents have been developed and demonstrated, however packaged diodes suitable for higher current DOD applications are not presently available. InPhase I, SatCon and its partners will… More

Use the results of Phase I investigation to develop a power dense, modular DC-DC converter for Hybrid Electric Vehicle applications. Focus will be on proving out the power converter material and assembly system in an demonstration system that could bemodified for test in an application that of… More

The proposed Advanced Power Distribution System (APDS) utilizes a flexible architecture built upon a common high voltage DC bus and includes a family of standardized, interchangeable DC/DC and DC/AC converters. The system uses hot-swappable, unregulated80-630 VDC power from the electric ground… More

Magnetic suspension for gas turbine engine applications has previously been limited to lower load capacity, low cycle life demonstrations. A complete oil-free bearing and integrated starter generator (ISG) system is proposed that is capable of supporting asmall turbine engine in the

HARM electronic thermal control is difficult due to the system's dual nature. Most of its life the system exists as part of the aircraft. Cooling can be achieved by thermally coupling the electronics to the relatively cool air through the ordnance shell.However, after launch the HARM accelerates… More

The present deck edge door drive system for aircraft carriers is a complex system of sheaves, wire ropes, and associated equipment that has low reliability and high maintenance cost. The main system attributes that result in this situation are the indirectactuation of the door panels, and the use of… More

Magnetic suspension for gas turbine engine applications has previously been limited to lower load capacity, low cycle life demonstrations. A complete oil-free bearing and integrated starter generator (ISG) system is proposed that is capable of supporting a small turbine engine in the

Electrical power is vital to a modern Naval ship's fighting effectiveness. A ship without power is nearly useless and vulnerable to enemy attack. The ship's electrical distribution system is key to delivering power to ship's vital loads. SatCon Technology Corporation proposes a casualty power… More

SatCon proposes to make use of prior work on SiC and advanced packaging for power converters to design and demonstrate a SiC semiconductor based power converter on the order of 60kW able to process 450VAC, thus demonstrating the capability of meeting the needs of multiple medium power applications.… More

Existing lighting systems in US Navy ships use motor-driven variable transformers for dimming control. It is unable to provide the dimming and control necessary to adjust to the various lighting sources. SatCon Applied Technology Corporation proposes an electronic dimming system that will provide… More

A novel highly integrated electrically driven propulsor is proposed to increase effectiveness and payload fraction while significantly reducing cost of future Navy and commercial undersea and surface vehicles. High power density is achieved with a rim driven architecture utilizing an advanced motor… More

79498S The size and weight of Power Conversion Circuitry, needed for the transmission and distribution of electricity, is dominated by the reactive components and the heat removal system. The key to reducing the energy storage and filtering requirements, along with the heat dissipated, is the… More

SatCon proposes a stable platform module for the launch and recovery of UAVs from the decks of Navy Ships. This platform will accommodate large amplitude motions in roll, pitch and heave enabling wide spread use of UAV systems on smaller Navy ships over a wide range of sea sates and vessel speeds. … More

SatCon Technology Corporation working with 3eTI will develop a Wireless Advanced Variable Speed (WAVeS) Drive system for the LPD-17 ship to improve mission effectiveness and reduce Total Ownership Cost (TOC) auxiliary load drive systems. This will be achieved by demonstrating advanced technology… More

SatCon proposes to develop a dual-use Integrated Starter/Generator (ISG) for military and commercial vehicles. Our proposed machine type is an interior PM (IPM) machine which is ideally suited to ISG applications because of high power density due to the PM field production, and inherent field… More

SatCon proposes to develop a high power density engine-drive auxiliary power unit (EDAPU) for military vehicles. Our proposed machine type is a high speed permanent magnet generator. A power conversion unit (PCU) will integrate all the functions of converting the PMG power output into 3 selectable… More

As the performance of missile technology evolves, simulation and test equipment must keep pace. Higher performance simulators that recreate impacts due to chemical thrusters and provide DC to 0.5-1KHz bandwidth are needed for guidance and control simulations of missile and anti-ballistic missile… More

Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs), used in communications, radio astronomy and radar applications exhibit improved performance when cooled to low temperatures (100oK). Range improvement of 20% and a 10x improvement in sensitivity can be obtained by cooling an LNA to 100K. However, use of Cryogenic fluids… More

A novel highly integrated electrically driven propulsor concept has been developed to increase effectiveness and payload fraction while significantly reducing cost of future Navy and commercial undersea and surface vehicles. High power density is achieved with a rim driven architecture utilizing an… More

Insulation systems for large, Brushless DC propulsion motors typically use Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) power converters with high frequency (>10KHz), high voltage switching for efficiency and control benefits but this places significant demands on the insulation system. Switching frequency, peak… More

SatCon proposes to develop semiconductor packaging technology for the -65/+300°C temperature range. The goal is reliable operation while permitting high device temperature and wide temperature cycles, a particular challenge for existing Power and RF packaging techniques which are suited to the… More

Superconducting electric propulsion systems will yield improvements in total ownership costs due to the simplicity of electric drive when compared with gas turbine engines, and due to greater power densities and efficiencies of electromechanical energy conversion processes. Two principal types have… More

SatCon will demonstrate the feasibility of prognostic control techniques for switching power converters utilizing emerging Silicon Carbide (SiC) power devices, while using predictive modeling to avoid excessive sensing requirements in the prognostics. Silicon Carbide is an emerging technology, that… More

There is a critical need for reliable, long life, low maintenance machinery for all DoD components, and underway aircraft carriers ops are among the most demanding, especially the 24/7 all-weather operations on the flight deck. The present C13 Aircraft Steam Catapult (ASC), with their water brake… More

SatCon will provide a galvanically isolated, high power density bi-directional resonant power conversion topology for the key isolated DC/DC link in developing a truly bi-directional and universal DC/AC, DC/DC and AC/DC power conversion block. This key link will be used between standard power… More

High speed generators for future aircraft with dramatic improvements in power density while retaining or enhancing the functionality of current solutions. SatCon proposes to develop a new technology generator that up to 300kW in the same envelope as existing 50kW wound-field generators resulting in… More

Building on the feasibility determination made in Phase 1 SatCon will demonstrate an application of prognostic control techniques for switching power converters utilizing emerging Silicon Carbide (SiC) power devices, while using predictive modeling. Silicon Carbide is an emerging technology, that… More

SatCon proposed to investigate electric drive concepts for improved power density and quiet operation for underwater propulsion systems with an initial focus on torpedo applications. We will leverage our experience in SiC applications, NUWC propulsors, and active ONR podded propulsor program as a… More

A transition from a centralized, hydraulically based power source to a multi-source electric power base is eliciting a need for an electrically powered aircraft. This electrical power base will be composed on multiple, independently operated electric units, working together to power the craft. A… More

The proposed shipboard medium voltage AC to DC converter system will allow for various input and output levels based on a power dense, efficient, low cost, high quality output, and modular design expandable up to 6MW. A 450kW power conversion module uses advanced power switching devices and a… More

SatCon proposes to fabricate and test an advanced technology electric drive for improved power density and quiet operation for underwater propulsion systems with an initial focus on torpedo applications. We will leverage our experience in SiC applications, NUWC propulsors, and active ONR podded… More

The application of reliable, long life electrical machinery in the All Electric Navy is critical for the success of future naval warfare. Development of a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) inverter fed Permanent Magnet (PM) motor for the DD(X) shipboard propulsion illustrates future trends for large 20… More

Fuel Cell and hybrid electric propulsion offers increased architectural flexibility to air vehicles. The power plant of choice for helicopters is a gas turbine engine due to its high power density. However, the large transmission can weigh more than the engine. A motor-generator pair can… More

A novel combination of power electronics and electromechanical contactors is proposed to perform of sensing and fault protection in a Medium Voltage DC distribution system. This will reduce the electromechanical component ratings and size while providing both input to output galvanic isolation… More

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… More

The Navy's Next Generation Integrated Power System (NGIPS) Roadmap depends on the conversion of medium voltage AC (4160 - 13.8KV) to DC for shipboard electrical distribution systems. Satcon's medium voltage AC to DC converter topology supports the NGIPS architecture, allowing for galvanic isolation… More

RCT Systems proposes a Thermoelectric Scalable Power Generator (TSPG) design capable of>300 Watts, operating continuous at 28 VDC in a package weighing<22 Lb, based on a thermoelectric generator combusting gaseous (propane) and liquid (JP-8/DF-2) fuels. High ZT (>1.5) nanostructure… More

ABSTRACT: RCT Systems, with Florida State University, MIT, and partners, will develop a fast transient Superconducting Magnet Energy Storage (SEMS) system model for aircraft and spacecraft applications requiring ultra high capacity and rapid charge/discharge rates in an energy and power dense… More

RCT Systems proposes to develop a conceptual design for an Intermediate Energy Storage Module (IESM) that will provide the energy storage, power electronics and controls necessary to keep high power pulse loads from disrupting the ship"s distribution grid and allow the power system to meet the… More

ABSTRACT: RCT proposes a design and validation effort resulting in a high temperature, high reliability class of all electromagnetic actuator designs with minimal/no heat load on aircraft cooling systems. Size and weight are consistent with aircraft engine limits and are applicable to manned and… More

There has been increasing concern about Energy Security and our reliance on foreign oil. Fuel delivery to FOBs has proven costly in terms of dollars and casualties to convoy personnel. Using renewable energy sources like wind power can reduce fuel consumption. For FOBs the ability to transport, set… More