(NEPTUNE) Integrated, Scalable Design Prototyping Process to Improve the Specific Power Efficiency of Radars
Abstract
ABSTRACT: This full proposal is written in response to the Hack for Defense (H4D) problem statement,which was submitted as a white paper, entitled ~Design Methods to Improve the Specific PowerEfficiencies of Radars.~Current radar systems are all fundamentally limited by cooling of their microwave frequencyamplifiers. As a result, they experience key design tradeoffs in system power (affecting range),aperture (affecting scale), and frequency (affecting resolution). Compact, high efficiency systemsare a major focus of current development and deployment efforts. By running radar systemscooler, one can reduce prime power consumption and thus improve the system efficiency. This isparticularly relevant in unmanned aerial platforms and similar applications where size andweight are critical factors.Our interviews conducted with warfighters and Navy engineers, following the H4D problemcuration methodology, has revealed that radar systems requiring high powers, resulting in overlyhigh operating temperatures, create a pain point shared by many stakeholders. It is thereforeimportant to reduce the peak dissipated power and operating temperature in radars to increase themean time to failure (MTTF). Because of the risk of radar overheating failures, power must belimited in current systems. Improved radar system efficiency would allow more comprehensivemissions with fewer delays, thus saving lives through improved readiness.Therefore, developing improved radar systems is critical to achieving the Resilient and AgileLogistics capabilities outlined in the National Defense Strategy. As such, the RadarTechnologies Division at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, has sponsored aNEPTUNE Problem Statement that reads:Naval radar engineers need a method to provide greater power efficiency to radar systemsin order to improve specific weight and power in unmanned aerial platforms.We propose to address this problem statement by developing a minimum viable product andprototype in the 18 month technical performance period. The minimum viable product will be aradar package simulation tool, where the architecture, materials, and geometries can vary in theprediction of operating temperature and power efficiency. The prototype will consist of aphysical hardware package of an array of discrete power devices with spacing associated with atypical radar system. Here, enhanced cooling will be demonstrated in terms of its powerefficiency and system scalability. Problem curation and stakeholder interviews will continuethroughout the proposed research period in order to ensure that the simulation capabilities meetthe needs of Naval radar engineers. Strategic student internships at Navy labs will enabletransition of the tool, and training of engineers in its use. We will seek to develop additionalcommercial partnerships to facilitate fabrication and testing of advanced prototype designsconceptualized using the tool, as well as longer-term reliability testing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 11, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012210
Entities
People
- Peter A. Bermel
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Virginia