Wide Bandgap Bi-Directional Converter

Topic Objective Design a wide bandgap bi-directional converter (BDC) capable of operating across all military ground vehicles. The use of different wide bandgap semiconductors, such as Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC), are expected to significantly increase the BDC's end-to-end efficiency which will reduce size, weight and cooling demands. Description With the growing vehicle electrical power requirements in military vehicle systems the use of wide bandgap semiconductor technology is necessary for the future. Topic proposals should focus on a BDC capable of bi-directionally converting from 600VDC to 28VDC and from 28VDC to 600VDC and delivering 20kW. The converter must account for safety, efficiency, scalability, configurability, CAN control, and integration. The BDC should be 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) or smaller. The solution will have the processing power necessary for fault detection and handling capabilities, built-in diagnostics, and stand alone and remote control in a compact device suitable for use in military ground vehicle applications. The proposed unit must use wide bandgap technology, such as GaN or SiC, that is capable of operating at high voltages. The use of wide bandgap power electronics that can operate in a 71 degrees Celsius ambient environment is required. The unit should be able to communicate using J1939 CAN interface, and should demonstrate High Voltage Interlock capabilities, and Ground Fault Detection and Protection. The proposal should address thermal management plan for the BDC, while also meeting military standards. Phase I Develop a proof-of-concept circuit for a wide bandgap bi-directional converter that addresses the features and functionality described above. This preliminary design will include a packaging plan with a size, weight power, and cost analysis (SWaP), thermal analysis, and considerations for meeting MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-810G, and MIL-STD-461 by modeling, analysis, and/or brass board proofs of concept, all to be provided. For further elaboration, MIL-STD-1275 standardizes characteristics of 28-volt DC input power to utilize equipment in military vehicles, MIL-STD-810G reviews the potential impacts that environmental stresses can have on materials, and MIL-STD-461 standardizes the requirements and test limits for the measurement and determination of the electromagnetic interference characteristics of electronic equipment. Phase II Electrical, thermal, mechanical, and functional aspects of a wide bandgap bi-directional converter solution will be designed, developed, and built. Demonstration and technology evaluation will take place in a relevant laboratory environment, on a military ground vehicle system, or in a stand-alone configuration. Phase II will reach at least TRL 5 and commercial viability will be quantified. Phase III Mechanical packaging and integration of the solution into a vehicle will be achieved (TRL6) and a technology transition will occur so the device can be used in military ground vehicle applications, and/or in a stand-alone configuration. Conformance to key military standards will be emphasized in the Phase III effort. Submission Information To submit full proposal packages, and for more information, visit the DSIP Portal.