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Marshall
Space Flight Center
2001 Phase
I
Highly Efficient Vector Inversion Generators
Radiance Technologies, Inc.
Huntsville, AL
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INNOVATION
Project developed a new class of fast, high-voltage
pulse generators. These devices are the most compact high-voltage generators
possible and have many uses in advanced propulsion systems, flash X-ray systems,
and impulse radar.
This new class of devices can take
electrostatically stored energy and convert it into a fast, high-voltage pulse
in a one-step dynamic process on the nanosecond time scale. The devices are
highly efficient and can be constructed of simple inexpensive components.
They combine the functions of energy storage and voltage conversion into one
simple easily manufactured unit.
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Compact Vector Inversion Generator Producing 277 kV Maximum Voltage
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Radiance has successfully demonstrated Vector Inversion
Generators operating up to 500 kV in an oil bath. Scaling laws, design equations,
and theoretical descriptions are complete and verified experimentally. Sizes have
ranged from 2 inches in dia. up to 10 inches in dia. Devices greater than 90%
efficient have been built. Several generators have been sold to other gov't agencies.
- These devices are highly developed and can
be designed for specific applications. Specific devices for impulse radar, RF
weapons, and X-ray systems are being tested.
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COMMERCIALIZATION
- These devices are known as Vector Inversion Generators (VIGs)
- Gov't markets are primarily the Army and Navy.
The Navy has purchased several units for evaluation
- One patent entitled "Apparatus System
and Method for Generating High Voltages" has been submitted
- Product is primarily being marketed to
Government agencies for highly specialized applications
- There are no remaining
technological barriers hindering development of commercial applications
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GOVERNMENT/SCIENCE
APPLICATIONS
- The U.S. Army has funded a Phase II SBIR for
the development of the VIGs for military applications. All of the advanced
development of this technology was done with these funds.
- For NASA, the technology is capable
of applications to advanced propulsion.
- Any technological issues impeding NASA
applications will be application specific.
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For more
information about this firm, please send e-mail to company
representative
Return
to NASA SBIR Success Listings
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Aerospace,
Energy,
Power/Propulsion
Curator: SBIR
Support 10/22/04 |