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Fuel Cell Power System with Parallel-Connected Bi-directional DC-DC

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Air Force 		Award ID:
67717 		Program Year/Program:
2004 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
F041-194-0337 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
AEROVIRONMENT, INC.
181 W. Huntington Drive, Suite 202 Monrovia, CA 91016
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2004
Title: Fuel Cell Power System with Parallel-Connected Bi-directional DC-DC
Agency / Branch: DOD / USAF
Contract: FA8650-04-M-2441
Award Amount: $99,999.00
 

Abstract:

Satellite platforms require lightweight, highly reliable energy production and storage systems to maximize payload power and performance. The regenerative fuel cell (RFC) system is a promising electrochemical technology that has a high specific energy on the order of 550Wh/kg. An RFC system in hybrid configuration with a battery requires a specialized bi-directional DC-DC converter to protect the fuel cell, control the flow of power to and from the battery, and stabilize the DC bus. The proposed Phase I effort will investigate the feasibility of developing a complex DC-DC converter for satellite RFC/battery hybrid system applications. The DC-DC converter must have a high conversion efficiency, low weight, low volume and sophisticated control scheme to minimize the RFC system specific energy. The control scheme in particular must regulate the system under a variety of conditions, yet protect system components. AeroVironment will overcome the many technical challenges with experience gained developing a high altitude RFC system for NASA's ERAST program, conducting other fuel cell integration projects and designing many DC-DC converters. By demonstrating feasibility, we will assist the Air Force to develop efficient energy production and storage systems for satellites and other space platforms for station-keeping and powering large payloads.

Principal Investigator:

Omourtag Velev
Fuel Cell Manager
6263579983
velev@aerovironment.com

Business Contact:

Jerry L. Cleveland
Director, Contracts & Legal Affairs
6263579983
cleveland@aerovironment.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

AEROVIRONMENT, INC.
825 S. Myrtle Avenue Monrovia, CA 91016

EIN/Tax ID: 952705790
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No