0000000000082391
AUTHOR
Juan B. Ejea
Power system consumption model using SPICE
Space missions have very stringent mass, volume and also power budgets. This requires very precise knowledge of the power consumption of the whole satellite, not only peak power but also static and long term dynamic power. This calculation becomes very complex if all the operational modes (long term dynamic changes) are taken into account, including the different environmental situations. The power budget of any Power Converter Module (PCM), which includes not only the DC/DC converter but also the distribution unit, depends on the power it delivers and on external factors like temperature and input voltage. We propose to use a linear SPICE model using electronic models of discrete component…
Small-Signal Modeling of a Controlled Transformer Parallel Regulator as a Multiple Output Converter High Efficient Post-Regulator
This paper presents a post-regulator based on the use of a controlled transformer, which adds or subtracts an additional voltage to the output filter of a converter in order to regulate its output voltage. So, their actuation is complementary to that of more known post-regulators, such as the magnetic amplifier (magamp) and synchronous switch post-regulator (SSPR), because the regulation is achieved by controlling the voltage across the filter inductor instead of its charge time. Besides, the post-regulator processes the power in parallel to the one flowing from input to output and only handles a percentage of it. The post-regulation by controlled transformer is suitable of being employed i…
On the design of a multiple-output DC/DC converter for the PHI experiment on-board of solar orbiter
Power converters for experiments that have to fly on board space missions (satellite, launchers, etc.) have very stringent requirements due to its use in a very harsh environment. The selection of a suitable topology is therefore not only based on standard requirements but additional more strict ones have also to be fulfilled. This work shows the design procedure followed to build the Power Converter Module (PCM) for the Polarimetric and Helioseismic Imager (SO/PHI), experiment on board the Solar Orbiter Satellite. The selected topology has been a Push-Pull, for a power level of approximately 35 W and with seven output voltages. Galvanic isolation is needed from primary to secondary, but no…
Isolated two-stage passive PFC rectifier for the Radioisotope Stirling Generator
This paper describes an isolated, passive power factor correction rectifier devised for low-voltage, large-inductance, single-phase alternator, like the one used in the Radioisotope Stirling Generator. The power converter splits into two independent stages, the front-end rectifier corrects the power factor by adding a series capacitor in the AC line. Further, the rectifier, thanks to the alternator inductance, behaves as a constant-current source that powers a current-fed, zero voltage and zero current switching push-pull stage. This approach takes advantage of all parasitic elements to increase power density while keeping simple and reliable. Full description and analysis is given as well …
Control circuit design of the L-LC resonant inverter for induction heating
In this article, the frequency variation control strategy for an induction heating L-LC resonant inverter is analyzed. The control consists of three loops, which are analyzed and reduced to their corresponding small-signal block diagrams. From these diagrams, the optimal structure of the compensation network and the design boundaries for first order closed-loop response are derived. The special case of phase limitation is analyzed because it is unstable in open-loop operation. Finally the implementation of the control circuit is described and experimental results are shown.
Design of a power conditioning unit for a Stirling generator in space applications
The Free-Piston Stirling Generator (FPSG) is a thermal to electrical energy conversion system, based upon the thermal engine of the same name. Intensive research concerning the feasibility of the engine for its application in deep space and planetary missions has been conducted, primarily due to the potential increase in efficiency (−30%) over the currently used Radio-isotope Generators (RTGs). On the other hand, less attention has been paid to the power conditioning requirements and alternatives. The present work has investigated on the dynamics governing the FPSGs in order to assess the design requirements for the subsequent power-conditioning unit (PCU). Thereafter, two alternatives of A…
The Sequential Switching Shunt Maximum Power Regulator and its Application in the Electric Propulsion System of a Spacecraft
This paper describes a baseline solution of a Power Conditioning and Distribution Unit (PCDU) for Electrical Propulsion (EP) systems. The solution adopted uses two high efficiency, low-mass power regulators; a solar array regulator (SAR) based on the classical Sequential Switching Shunt Regulator with Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) capability followed by a step-up converter to achieve the desired regulated bus voltage. This paper focuses on the first part of the PCDU, the Sequential Switching Shunt Maximum Power Regulator (S3MPR). This electrical architecture has been adapted and recently proposed for the Electric Propulsion power system of the European and Japanese Mercury Mission (Be…
Optimized Topology for High Efficiency Battery Discharge Regulator
In the following years power levels of 20 kW to 50 kW will be demanded by the telecommunication satellites. It is not possible to keep 0.5 kW modules with up to 100 modules in parallel and, therefore, higher power modules must be used. A higher bus voltage seems also necessary and any voltage below 150 V and above 100 V could meet the needs. In addition, new optimized topologies that process only a part of the total power delivery can be employed to improve the efficiency. In this article, design guidelines and experimental results of a high efficiency battery discharge regulator (BDR) module based on parallel power processing are given.
Evaluation of Gallium Nitride Transistors in Electronic Power Conditioners for TWTAs
The aim of this paper is to evaluate the benefits of replacing Si Mosfets transistors with enhancement mode GaN transistors in a Half-Bridge Zero Voltage and Zero Current Switching Power Switching Converter (ZVZCPS). This converter is usually used as power supply of the travelling-wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs) in aerospace applications. In this paper, firstly the converter is theoretically analyzed, obtaining its operation, losses and efficiency equations, these equations are used to obtain optimizations maps based on the main system parameters. In this way, the ideal design parameters can be visually obtained. These optimization maps are the key to quantify the potential benefits of GaN tra…
Real time estimation of photovoltaic modules characteristics and its application to maximum power point operation
In this paper, an approximate curve fitting method for photovoltaic modules is presented. The operation is based on solving a simple solar cell electrical model by a microcontroller in real time. Only four voltage and current coordinates are needed to obtain the solar module parameters and set its operation at maximum power in any conditions of illumination and temperature. Despite its simplicity, this method is suitable for low cost real time applications, as control loop reference generator in photovoltaic maximum power point circuits. The theory that supports the estimator together with simulations and experimental results are presented.
Output Impedance Improvement Using Coupled Inductors
When using a single DC/DC converter with multiple outputs and having a buck topology, which has one filter inductor per output, the designer can choose to couple these outputs together. This paper demonstrates additional benefits of coupling output inductors together. Apart from saving mass and volume, and due to an improved small signal behaviour it also reduces the output impedance of the regulated output. The paper will analyse a seven output push-pull converter used as a space power converter module and verify the theoretical results with experimental measurements.
New Power Conditioning System for Battery-free Satellite Buses with Maximum Power Point Tracking
The purpose of this paper is describe a new conception of Power Conditioning Unit (PCU) developed to fulfill the requirements of BepiColombo Electronic Propulsion module. This load bus has very tough specification especially regarding transient response during total load switch-off ("beam out") which has to be less than 2% of the bus voltage. The conception we propose, is the new Sequential Switching Shunt Maximum Power Regulator (S3MPR) consisting in a S3R, to keep the SA voltage at its Maximum Power Point (MPP) followed by a Boost regulator to produce a constant 100V to supply the Electronic Propulsion (EP). This concept may also be of interest for other future missions involving high pow…
Soft switched interleaved boost converters used as high-power battery discharge regulator for space power systems
In the following years the telecommunication satellites will have a much greater power demand than nowadays. One reason for this is that the geostationary orbit required by this kind of satellites is becoming too crowded. Probably power levels of l0 kW to l00 kW will be the standard and with life duration of 25 years. It is not possible to keep 0.5 kW modules with more than 100 in parallel and therefore higher power modules (5 kW) must be used. A higher bus voltage seems also necessary and keeping a safety limit of 150 V, any voltage below it and above 100 V could meet the needs. In this paper we will propose a topology that fits the application: two soft switched interleaved boost converte…
Bidirectional High-Efficiency Nonisolated Step-Up Battery Regulator
The design and results of a high-efficiency high-power (5 kW) nonisolated bidirectional dc-dc converter is presented. High stability due to minimum phase behavior is an additional benefit of the topology. The converter is a new boost with output filter where input and output inductors are coupled. This converter is useful with any system that needs to charge and discharge backup batteries and can be applied in space, automotive, and telecom power systems.
Hydrogen back-up power system with photovoltaic direct energy transfer regulation and interleaved boost for space applicattions
This work details a power conditioning unit for photovoltaic/hydrogen based energy systems in space applications. The power conversion techniques applied are similar to the ones used on photovoltaic/battery space power systems. A direct energy transfer photovoltaic regulator is devised for feeding two outputs; the first output corresponds to the main unregulated battery bus and the second output sets a power path to feed an electrolyser. A modular fuel cell converter completes the system and operates when photovoltaic energy is not available or load demand exceeds the generated photovoltaic power, providing electrical power from a fuel cell. An ancillary battery, located in the main bus, di…
Bidirectional high-power high-efficiency non-isolated step-up DC-DC converter
This paper presents the results of a high-efficiency high-power (5kW) non-isolated bidirectional DC-DC converter. High efficiency, high stability and simplicity are the main goals, and no galvanic isolation is required. The proposed topology is a new BOOST converter with output filter where input and output inductors are coupled together which can be designed to be a minimum phase system. This topology provides therefore input and output current filtering, reducing noise and need of additional filters. Its bidirectionality reduces mass in many applications like in charge/discharge subsystems and lowers cost and component count. This converter is useful with any system that needs backup batt…
Stability improvement of isolated multiple-output DC/DC converter using coupled inductors
Coupling output inductors is a very popular solution when designing a multiple-output DC/DC system. Space-borne circuits are one of the areas where a custom DC/DC converter design with coupled inductors could be preferred to have a detailed design of all variables. Output voltage regulation can be improved using coupled output inductors on a multiple-output DC/DC converter, and, as demonstrated in this paper, it provides an enhanced stability. This paper presents the small signal analysis of a push-pull converter with seven outputs having all its output inductors coupled together and compares it theoretically to the uncoupled version to demonstrate the stability improvement. The theoretical…
A Comparative Performance Study of a 1200 V Si and SiC MOSFET Intrinsic Diode on an Induction Heating Inverter
This paper presents a comparison of the behavior of the intrinsic diode of silicon (Si) and silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs. The study was done for 1200 V Si and SiC MOSFETs. The data sheet from manufacturers shows the characteristics of MOSFET' intrinsic diode when gate source voltage (VGS) is 0 V. There are applications where the MOSFET' intrinsic diode is used while VGS is different than 0 V. One of these applications is induction heating, where depending on the load and the regulation system, the diode can conduct a significant part of the inverter current. In most applications which use the MOSFET' intrinsic diode, the turn ON of the intrinsic diode happens at VGS = 0 V. After a blanking…
Benefits and Drawbacks of A High Frequency Gan Zvzcps Converter
This paper presents the benefits and drawbacks of replacing the traditional Si Mosfets transistors with enhancement mode GaN transistors in a Half-Bridge Zero Voltage and Zero Current Switching Power Switching (ZVZCPS) converter. This type of converters is usually used as Electronic Power Converters (EPC) for telecommunication satellites travelling-wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs). In this study, firstly the converter is theoretically analysed, obtaining its operation, losses and efficiency equations. From these equations, optimizations maps based on the main system parameters are obtained. These optimization maps are the key to quantify the potential benefits of GaN transistors in this type of…
Test bench for coupling and shielding magnetic field
This paper describes a test bench for training purposes, which uses a magnetic field generator to couple this magnetic field to a victim circuit. It can be very useful to test for magnetic susceptibility as well. The magnetic field generator consists of a board, which generates a variable current that flows into a printed circuit board with spiral tracks (noise generator). The victim circuit consists of a coaxial cable concentric with the spiral tracks and its generated magnetic field. The coaxial cable is part of a circuit which conducts a signal produced by a signal generator and a resistive load. In the paper three cases are studied. First, the transmitted signal from the signal generato…