Ultra-High Reliable and Efficient Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) Modular Generator System
ID: N241-060Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Ultra-High Reliable and Efficient Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) Modular Generator System

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTHYear: 2024

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2479801

Additional Information

https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "Ultra-High Reliable and Efficient Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) Modular Generator System" as part of their SBIR 24.1 BAA program. The Navy branch is specifically interested in developing and demonstrating a megawatt-scale, ultra-high reliable and efficient modular generator concept for USVs. The goal is to achieve a 4,000 hour no touch maintenance periodicity for continuous operation in a naval environment.

    Current power generation systems for USVs do not meet the future long-duration mission needs, which will be measured in months. The reliability of the Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical (HM&E) systems, including power generation, is crucial for USV operations. The current power generation systems, primarily diesels, are not designed for high reliability and maintainability without human intervention.

    The DOD is looking for innovative solutions to configure and optimize smaller kilowatt-scale power units to achieve a modular generator total power output of 1 MW or greater. The fuel used should be NATO F76, and the building block power unit scale and type can be 10's-100's kW high-density diesels, Stirling generators, fuel cells, or gas turbine generators. The maintenance interval should be 2000 hours, and the mean time between failures (MTBF) should be 4000 hours. The modular generator should operate in marine environment conditions such as salt air ingestion, ships motion in high sea states, shock, vibration, etc. The volumetric and gravimetric density of the modular generator should be equal to or greater than equivalent power level marine diesel generator sets.

    The project will be conducted in three phases. Phase I involves developing a conceptual design of the modular generator with a defined building block power unit. Phase II focuses on developing the modular generator package and demonstrating innovations identified in the description, including testing in high-risk marine environment conditions. Phase III involves building a minimum 500 kW modular generator package installed in a 10' ISO container for at-sea demonstration. Land-based testing will also be performed to prove operational capability and demonstrate innovations. The dual-use applications of this technology include commercial marine and land-based generators.

    For more information and to submit proposals, interested parties can visit the DOD SBIR 24.1 BAA program page on the Defense SBIR/STTR website. The solicitation is currently closed, and the open date for proposals is January 3, 2024. The closing date for proposals is February 21, 2024.

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