Comprehensive investigation of advanced inductor materials on addressing opportunities to benefit the Navy HPPG systems
Abstract
Burst pulses of high power can be used in many Navy applications in areas of sensing, communication, and EW measures and countermeasures. Recent developments in semiconductor device technologies, such as Drift Step Recovery Diodes (DSRDs) (i.e., semiconductor opening switches), give rise to a new generation of all solid-state systems. However, the efficiency in these systems remains largely limited by the inductor performance.A comprehensive investigation of the needs and performance metrics of inductor materials in Navy HPPG and related power electronic systems will be carried out of a 12-month period at a projected cost of $100,000. The availability of identified materials and supply chain concerns will be explored. If new inductor materials are required, these will be described towards the end of the 12-month program. There are three principle tasks of this proposed study program that are designed to guide the investigation of inductor materials in HPPG systems. These are strongly influenced by the correspondence between ONR/NAW and the Northeastern PI Vince Harris who identified distinct opportunities associated with the timely development of advanced inductor materials. Task 1 focuses on the investigation of required improvements to Navy HPPG systems in the area of power convertors used in PG systems (identified as opportunity #1 by NAW experts). The desired benefits include higher switching frequencies, higher efficiencies, as well as smaller form factors. Subtasks include: Identify role of inductors and inductor materials, identify limitations andopportunities presented by replacing existing inductor materials, and identify desired properties and potential material systems if they exist or if they require invention and discovery (i.e., new technologies).Task 2 addresses the potential benefit to Naval PG systems in the area of the flyback style coupling employed in the DSRD driving systems (identified as opportunity #2 by NAW experts). This design centers around DSRD current density and rise rates and is constrained by conventional ferrite cores due to their limited efficiencies at high currents and high resonant frequencies.Subtasks include: identify role of inductors and inductor materials, identify limitations and opportunities presented by replacing existing inductor materials, and identify desired properties and potential material systems if they exist or if they require invention and discovery (i.e., new technologies).Task 3 entails conceptualization of a research plan to develop advanced materials to meet the needs of next generation HPPG systems in enhanced efficiency, performance, and form factors (i.e., SWAP+C). This plan will provide the foundation for a proposal to be submitted to an appropriate ONR BAA circa 2021.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 19, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012861
Entities
People
- Vincent G. Harris
Organizations
- Northeastern University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy