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. During Phase I we demonstrated results that validated master-less currentsharing and decentralized control. A prototype module was designed and simulated as will be built and validated during Phase II. During Phase II we will validate the proposed controller and power converter architecture, 2) Implement master-less power sharing and phase-shift control on integrated circuit and 3) validate performance of rad-hard module and new power management IC. By the end of Phase II, we will have designed and prototyped a set of rad-hard 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 below10 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. 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. Objective 1: Validate the proposed controller and power converter architecture The first objective of this proposal is to validate the control algorithm using the prototype developed in Phase I Objective 2: Implement master-less power sharing and phase-shift control on integrated circuit The second objective is to implement the proposed control on a modified version of the proposed power converter controller integrated circuit. Objective 3: Validate performance of rad-hard module and new IC The final objective will be to validate both the IC controller and the system performance in a full rad-hard implementation of the ideas proposed in this work. This will include electrical testing of the modules and the system, as well as an initial demonstration of how the system might be enclosed(with implications on thermal, weight, and ergonomics)

Power distribution and conversion solutions for lunar and Mars bases with knock-on applications for space station power, satellites, rovers, drones, and probes. Commercial GEO satellite applications. Lunar bases proposed by commercial companies such as SpaceX.  Rad-hard ICs are needed in high-energy physics experiments, nuclear power applications, and medical imaging.

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.

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