N251-038 TITLE: Energy Conserving Power Control Module System for Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV)

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Advanced Computing and Software

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

OBJECTIVE: Develop a compact, configurable power control module system for 28 Volt Direct Current (VDC) battery systems for small Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUV) to enable power conservation and extend mission duration.

DESCRIPTION: Current small UUV systems are often limited by the capacity of the battery that provides power to the vehicle and its onboard electronics. The Navy seeks a power control module system that has advanced control, optimization, and management capabilities to conserve power and enable longer duration missions.

The Navy seeks an innovative compact, configurable power control module system that can optimize power consumption of up to 28 VDC batteries in battery-powered small UUV systems to maximize energy utilization and extend operational capability. The module shall provide effective power management of all onboard electronics, including sensors, control, and navigation systems to conserve power and achieve a 10% or greater energy savings. Additionally, the module shall provide real-time monitoring and control of power distribution.

The power control system shall be capable of autonomously regulating/optimizing power system components while maintaining a low power impact on the system itself. The module may consist of advanced power management algorithms, software, hardware, or a combination; however, due to limited available Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP), there is a preference for minimal hardware integrated into the UUV. The module must be compact enough to be incorporated within the SWaP envelope, as well as the computing environment and power supply and distribution environment, of existing systems and systems in development. The allowable space for hardware should be no larger than 8 cubic inches, with no single component larger than 1 cubic inch and weighing less than 16 ounces.

The solution must work with existing Navy systems’ power buses. However, the Navy is also interested in innovative systems that could involve new power bus schemes which can be included in proposed solutions as a potential for future systems or upgrades.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

PHASE I: Develop a concept for an Energy Conserving Power Control Module System that meets the requirements described above. Establish feasibility by developing system diagrams, as well as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models that illustrate the power control module concept and provide the estimated weight and dimensions of the conceptual system. Feasibility will also be established; and by computer-based simulations that show the module’s performance is suitable for the Navy’s needs.

The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a prototype system for in-water testing and measurement/validation of the Phase I performance attributes. Perform detailed analysis and live demonstration in a test environment as part of the evaluation. Provide detailed technical documentation of the design, including an interface control drawing and interface specification, to allow successful transition of the product.

It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use.

Although a fully operational power control module is initially targeted for use in small UUVs, it should have the ability to support additional Navy applications and be suitable for shipboard use. Application of this product would provide commercial UUVs a longer duration to explore, map, survey (pipelines, cables, piers, bridges), and perform work (repair, salvage) in underwater.

REFERENCES:

1. Sulthan, Sheik Mohammed; Siddhara, Shereen A.; Revathi, Sri B.; Mansoor, Mohammed O.; Veena R. and Ahamed, Imthias T.P. "Centralized power management and control of a Low Voltage DC Nanogrid." 2022 The 3rd International Conference on Power and Electrical Engineering (ICPEE 2022), 29-31 December 2023, Singapore; Version of Record 18 July 2023. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352484723010818

2. Santoro, Danilo; Delmonte, Nicola; Simonazzi, Marco; Toscani, Andrea; Rocchi, Nicholas; Sozzi, Giovanna; Cova, Paolo and Menozzi, Roberto. "Local Power Distribution—A Review of Nanogrid Architectures, Control Strategies, and Converters." Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2759. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/3/2759

3. "National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual (NISP), 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq. (1993)." https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-32/subtitle-B/chapter-XX/part-2004

KEYWORDS: Energy Conserving; Power Control Module System; Mine Warfare; DC Voltage Systems up to 28 VDC; Configurable; Extend Mission Profile

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