Ultra-Lightweight, High Efficiency Silicon-Carbide (SIC) Based Power Electronic Converters, Phase II

In Phase I of this project, APEI, Inc. proved the feasibility of creating ultra-lightweight power converters (utilizing now emerging silicon carbide [SiC] power switching technologies) through the successful demonstration of power switch operation up to 500 ^oC. The goal of Phase II will be to design, fabricate, and fully test SiC based DC/DC converters that can achieve high power density and ultra-lightweight by operating the power switches at high junction temperatures. Present state-of-the-art silicon based spacecraft power systems operate at a power density of approximately 1.5 W/cm?, while the high temperature SiC based power converters proposed by APEI, Inc. in this project will operate at a power density of approximately 4.5 W/cm?, or 3? the density of present high performance silicon based systems. Theoretically, if the full potential of silicon carbide switches could be realized (junction temperature operation in excess of 600 ^oC), an order of magnitude power density improvement could be achieved. APEI, Inc. is proposing to fabricate up to three prototype high density (4.5 W/cm?) DC/DC converter designs: (1) 28V in / 5V out @ 25 watts (2) 28 V in / 5V out @ 100 watts (3) 28 V in / 5V out @ 1 kW

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.