A DC Transformer, Year 1

The goal of the project was to demonstrate a true direct current (DC) transformer, a new electro-mechanical component with potentially high power applications; in other words, an elementary device that could convert DC voltage/current directly to a different DC voltage/current. Alternating current (AC) transformers achieve this conversion for AC voltages/currents through the use of coils, ferrous cores, and an application of the Faraday Induction Law, where time varying magnetic fields are created by and then create alternating voltages in a coil. During the period of this project three different possible DC transformer concepts were proposed, theoretically modeled, and then experimentally tested with the intent of demonstrating a true dc transformer; i.e. an electrical device into which a given DC voltage and current can be applied and which will generate a different voltage and current, effectively changing the impedance of a power supply. A component level DC transformer is described in which no alternating currents or voltages are present. It operates by combining features of a homopolar motor and a homopolar generator, both DC devices, such that the output voltage of a DC power supply can be stepped up (or down) with a corresponding step down (or up) in current. Based on demonstrated technology, this DC transformer should be scalable to low megawatt levels, but it is more suited to high current than high voltage applications. Significant development would be required before it could achieve the kilovolt levels needed for DC power transmission.

NASA's return on investment for this project is a revolutionary advance. No DC transformer has ever been demonstrated, so this will not only yield a new device and new capability, but will highlight NASA's innovation capability and lead to new insights within electro-magnetism. The proposed work develops a true DC transformer that can be scaled up to very high power levels. DC to DC converters exists, but these are low power devices consisting of semiconductor switches. This device may become a commercially available entity, not unlike AC transformers are now. A manuscript was published in the Januray 2014 issue of IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, titled "A DC Transformer" (VOL. 29, NO. 1); the letter presents an electromechanical component that transforms dc power, allowing DC voltages or currents to be stepped up or down.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.