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Radiation Hardened High Power Ga2O3 Based Isolated DC-DC Converter
Active
TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 5)
Description
Recently realized radiation-hardened Gallium Oxide (Ga2O3) MetalOxideSemiconductor Field-Effect Transistor, (MOSFETs) offers the opportunity to increase efficiency and power density of space DC-DC power converters. The state of the art for space DC-DC power conversion trails its commercial counterparts in terms of power density and efficiency. One challenge that arises when designing for space environment is the harsh environment power converters need to operate in, and limited availability of space qualified components and field demonstrated converter topologies. Another challenge is the manufacturing process and reliability testing of reliable radiation hardened power MOSFETs. Ga2O3MOSFETs not only have better electrical performance than power MOSFETs, they have also demonstrated inherent tolerance to radiation. This results in fewer structural device modifications required to make Ga2O3MOSFETs operate reliably under high radiation compared to their Silicon counterparts. Syrnatec, an ITAR compliant, HUBZone, minority woman-owned small business has meet all the size, weight and power (SWaP) criteria set forth in Phase I. As the developed radiation hardened Ga2O3 based Fixed Frequency Isolated Phase Shifted Full Bridge DC-DC Converter supports 10 kW of power over a wide-temperature (-123C to 150C), provides high-power-density (2 kW/kg), high-efficiency (96%) power electronics with associated drivers for voltage regulation and can be applicable to Space based applications Power converters in high reliability space or military applications usually trail their commercial counterparts in terms of power density and efficiency. High-Power Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFETs) become the primary limitation for performance and power density of space rated DC-DC converters. Power MOSFETs are very susceptible to damage and degradation from irradiation found in space, especially ionizing radiation. Syrnatec seeks to solve this problem by using its proven Radiation Hardened Schottky diodes and MOSFETs based on Ga2O3 technology to provide Unparalleled power density Wide temperature range. Tolerant to TID up to 1.0 MRad (Si) Superior efficiency compared to power converters that use Silicon power MOSFETs Technical objective : Design Bi-directional 10kW, 650V/24V DC-DC converter and model radiation effects meeting the following characteristics: 1. 96 – 99% Efficiency 2. >2 kW/kg High Power Density 3. Integrated ground fault detection and protection 4. Switching frequency of 1 MHz 5. Compliance with J1939 CAN 6. High voltage interlock capabilities 7. Operable within -1230C to 1500C Ambient temperatures 8. Built in Self-test (BIST) and Radiation Tolerance TID SEE. 9. Must support long distances of 1 mile and more. Deliverable: Production Ready system Functional prototype of DC-DC converter that will perform buck and boost operations at the end of this effort. Analysis report that consists of Packaging plan (size, weight, power); Thermal analysis with a Custom Heatsink; Radiation analysis; Converter qualification plan in accordance with MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-810G, MIL-STD-461. Develop Roadmap for development and production of a qualified DC-DC Converter for Spacecraft and Moon/Mars Base applications.
Benefits
Proposed 10KW WBG DC-DC converter will address Lunar and Mars base initiatives. This Power Converter will benefit other NASA Mission Directorates - Science Mission Directorate and Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. Specific projects that could find value include Gateway, In-Situ Resource Utilization, Advanced Modular Power Systems, In-Space Electric Propulsion, Planetary Exploration and Electrified Aircraft Propulsion Technology. This technology will used for Artemis ,Mars, Asteroid research and search of life on other planets missions. Off-highway, Mining and Construction Vehicles, Power, for Telecom Infrastructure, E-Vehicle Charging Stations, Renewable Energy Conversion Electronics, Combat Ground Vehicle Systems, Aviation Systems, Electrical Power Systems for Telecommunication Equipment .
Details
| Technology area | Aerospace Power and Energy Storage |
| Program | Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR) |
| Lead organization | Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH |
| Start date | 2023-07-05 |
| End date | 2027-07-05 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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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