Distributed Regulator Modules for Space PV Arrays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photovoltaic arrays in space vehicles face challenges in managing wide variations in voltage and current characteristics over their operational life, leading to suboptimal performance and potential failures due to environmental interactions and degradation, with passive electronics lacking power management and control, resulting in inefficient power transmission and limited adaptability to varying mission conditions.
Innovation Solution
A power management system with distributed regulator modules and a root power management unit that converts DC power to high-frequency AC or different voltage, allowing for active voltage regulation, maximum power point tracking, and efficient power transfer, while also providing structural and mechanical connection between the photovoltaic array and the vehicle, enabling robustness and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If photovoltaic arrays operate at high voltage to minimize power distribution line mass and improve transmission efficiency, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but the system becomes more vulnerable to environmental interactions (electrostatic discharge, space plasma) and degradation over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage regulation through distributed regulator modules that can adjust operating voltage in real-time based on environmental conditions and array degradation state. This allows the system to operate at high voltage for efficiency when conditions permit, while dynamically lowering voltage to protect against electrostatic discharge and plasma interactions when environmental stress increases, thus resolving the contradiction between transmission efficiency and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameter (voltage) dynamically based on operational conditions. By using regulator modules that can adjust voltage levels, the system optimizes power transmission efficiency at high voltage while protecting against environmental harm by reducing voltage during periods of high environmental stress, effectively managing the trade-off between efficiency and reliability.
2Device complexity
If conventional passive electronics are used without power management control, then device complexity is reduced, but power management efficiency and adaptability to varying mission conditions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power management function into distributed regulator modules located at different points in the photovoltaic array system. Each module handles local regulation independently, which maintains relatively simple individual components while collectively achieving sophisticated power management. This segmentation allows the system to gain power management efficiency without requiring a single complex centralized control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed regulator modules operate autonomously to regulate power locally without requiring complex centralized control. Each module independently manages its section of the array, performing self-service power regulation that improves overall power management efficiency while keeping individual component complexity low. This distributed self-service approach resolves the contradiction between simplicity and efficiency.
3Device complexity
If a centralized power management unit is used inside the vehicle, then power control is simplified, but system mass increases and adaptability to array voltage variations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management function from a single centralized unit into multiple distributed regulator modules. This distribution reduces the mass of any single power management component while maintaining comprehensive control capability. The segmented architecture allows voltage regulation at multiple points in the system, improving adaptability to array variations without requiring a heavy centralized unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point (centralized) power management approach to a multi-point (distributed) architecture. By adding the dimension of spatial distribution, the system achieves both simplified control through modular units and reduced mass through elimination of heavy centralized equipment, while simultaneously improving adaptability through multiple regulation points.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances power management efficiency, reduces system mass, and optimizes power distribution, achieving low mass, low volume, low cost, and reconfigurability, while ensuring reliable power delivery to loads and minimizing interactions with the space plasma environment.
Implementation Method 1
a root power management unit connected to the second end of the interface by at least one electrical power harness, the root power management unit being configured to convert the DC electrical power produced by the photovoltaic array into high frequency AC electrical power, and to transfer the high frequency AC electrical power to the interface through the second end of the interface
Implementation Method 2
photovoltaic arrays (e.g., solar cell arrays) are used to collect and convert incident sunlight into power
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a power management system for a space vehicle, the system including: a photovoltaic array (110) including a plurality of panels (113), wherein each panel includes one or more solar cell strings, each solar cell string including a plurality of photovoltaic cells connected in series to produce direct current (DC) power; at least one regulator module (120) disposed on each of the one or more solar cell strings, the at least one regulator module being configured to condition the DC power produced by the one or more solar cell strings in the panel and supply it through at least one electrical connection line (140) to the electrical power harness (145) to route said power to a root power management unit (150); and an interface (120), configured to transfer power produced by the photovoltaic array from the root power management unit (150) to the vehicle (200), the interface having a first end (121) configured to be connectable with the vehicle and a second end (122) configured to be connectable with the photovoltaic array.