High Power Generators for Optimized Integrated DEW Power Systems

This proposal addresses issues relating to the application of non-superconducting generators in 1 to 5 MW range to high voltage Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) systems. The main focus is to select the best condidate generator from a variety of electromagneticand electrostatic generator concepts. The selection of the optimum generator concept must however be based on the parameters relating to the entire generating system including the turbine, the electronic power conditioning, and the DEW load. The selectionparameters for optimization are: power density, efficiency, fuel consumption, and reliability. With a view to satisfy the need to review the entire system, we have teamed with Rolls Royce, Hamilton Sundstrand and Lockheed Martin. The work plan includesevaluation of various generator and power electronics approaches and study of the integrated overall system in terms of thermal and cooling issues, fuel consumption. Internal and external technical resource have been pooled to address electrical,electronics, structural, dynamic, and thermal issues. We expect to select an optimized generator/controller configuration that is likely to compare favorably with superconducting generator approach on the basis of the integrated system parameters. Adetailed design analysis of the selected configuration will be presented. This will form the basis for fabrication of hardware for demonstration during Phase II.High voltage DEW generators in the 1 to 5 MW range are applicable to air, space ground, andwater based systems in Air Force, Army and Navy components of the DoD. In addition to the DEW loads, the generators will also provide power for Electromagnetic guns. In the commercial field, applications in Distributed Power Systems will be met because ofthe high power density and high fuel efficiency although the high voltage will not be the critical issue.