9 March 2017

US Army awards GE Aviation $4.1m contract to develop SiC power electronics

GE Aviation has been awarded a $4.1m contract from the US Army to develop and demonstrate silicon carbide (SiC)-based power electronics supporting high-voltage next-generation ground vehicle electrical power architecture.

“We continue to invest in silicon carbide and high-density packaging to help the US Army to better manage on-board power,” says Vic Bonneau, president of Electrical Power Systems for GE Aviation. “This component provides the additional benefit of eliminating the need for an electronic cooling system,” he adds. “Our similar silicon carbide-based programs and planned re-use have led to this new critical high-temperature application.”

The $4.1m contract will result in three hardware deliverables after a 24-month development program that will demonstrate the benefits of GE’s SiC MOSFET technology in a 200kW starter generator controller. The integrated starter generator controller (ISGC) will provide sensored and sensorless control for multiple generator types in a single line replaceable unit weighing less than 50 pounds. It will operate at 125C ambient in bi-directional operation for engine start. The ISGC will utilize 105C coolant and will be CANbus programmable.

The contract is GE’s 5th in support of the US Army’s Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) next-generation vehicle electrical power architecture leap-ahead technology development. It will result in a prototype demonstration in 2018.

DCS Corp is the contracting agent for US Army TARDEC. DCS develops technology solutions and provides acquisition management expertise for US Army aviation, ground vehicle, soldier systems, and missile systems.

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GE Aviation receives $2.1m US Army contract to develop SiC power electronics

Tags: GE Aviation SiC power devices

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