Redundant Power Controllers for Satellite Thrust Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically-powered thrust systems for vehicles lack redundancy, which can compromise reliability and efficiency, particularly in satellite operations where single propulsion systems are dependent on electric propulsion.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion system with at least three electrical power controllers and four thrusters, along with multiple electrical switches that allow concurrent or nonconcurrent power supply to thrusters, including a redundant power controller to enhance redundancy and operational flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single propulsion system with limited power controllers is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to lack of redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is segmented into multiple independent power controllers (first, second, and third power controllers) that can independently supply power to thrusters. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality even if one controller fails, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple power controllers and switch arrangements before any failure occurs. The switches are pre-positioned to allow any power controller to supply power to any thruster, creating a redundant configuration that activates automatically upon failure without requiring complex real-time reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If multiple power controllers with redundant configurations are implemented, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each power controller is designed with universal functionality to supply power to any thruster through the switch network. The first power controller can supply power to first and second thrusters, the second power controller can supply power to second and third thrusters, and the third power controller can supply power to first, second, or third thrusters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated one-to-one mappings, managing complexity while maintaining redundancy.
3Productivity
If concurrent power supply to multiple thrusters is enabled, then the productivity is improved for transfer orbit operations, but the device complexity increases due to additional switching arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The switching network is designed to be dynamic, allowing real-time reconfiguration of power supply paths. The first switch controls power to the first thruster, the second switch controls power to the second thruster, and the third switch controls power to the third thruster, with additional cross-connections that allow any power controller to supply any thruster. This dynamic switching capability enables concurrent operation of multiple thrusters from different power controllers, improving productivity for transfer orbit operations while managing complexity through systematic switch arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a thrust system for a vehicle that includes at least three electrical power controllers, at least four electrical switches each configured to receive electrical power from at least one of the at least three electrical power controllers, and at least three thrusters each configured to receive electrical power from at least one of the at least three electrical switches. The at least four electrical switches are operable to switch a supply of electrical power from any of the at least three electrical power controllers to any one of the at least three thrusters.