A Modular, High-Efficiency, Radiation-Hardened, DC-DC Converter with Decentralized Control

We propose to develop a power conversion architecture capable of operating at high power (>100 kW) in high-radiation environments and extreme temperatures. The proposed system is modular, thus providing an array of benefits, including improved thermal management, radiation hardness, and reliability. The innovations that enable this advantageous architecture are (a) proprietary radiation-hard integrated circuit technology under development at Apogee Semiconductor that permits far more sophisticated control than state-of-the-art radiation-hard ICs, and (b) a novel control architecture that ensures proper power sharing among converter modules without centralized communication, thereby allowing for high modularity and elimination of points of global failure. By the end of Phase I, we will have designed and prototyped a set of power converter modules capable of decentralized current sharing at a power level (per module) appropriate to scale up to a full system. The scale model will operate at below 10 kW but will demonstrate robust decentralized control, high power density/efficiency, and low thermal impedance. Accomplishing this objective will require system specification through research, analysis, and simulation prior to prototyping.

Power distribution and conversion solutions for lunar and Mars bases. These modules can also expand the NASA Advanced Modular Power Systems (AMPS) roadmap.

Commercial GEO satellite applications. Lunar bases proposed by commercial companies such as SpaceX.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.