Sequential Shunt Regulator Analog Fill Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical systems in spacecraft and satellite applications face challenges in efficiently matching power from multiple sources to a load, particularly due to parasitic capacitances and hysteresis issues, which can lead to inefficient power distribution and double sectioning.
Innovation Solution
A Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controlled sequential shunt regulator system that uses power switches to provide discrete currents and current controllable switches to supply analog currents, with a controller managing both to precisely match the sum of currents to the load on an electrical bus, thereby regulating voltage and current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If discrete power switches are used to control current from power sources, then the system can prevent double sectioning and improve reliability, but the current matching precision deteriorates due to stepwise discrete control
Solution Approach 1:
The current control is segmented into two independent control paths: discrete power switches for coarse control and analog current controllable switches for fine control. This segmentation allows each control mechanism to operate in its optimal range, preventing double sectioning while achieving precise current matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between discrete and analog control modes based on the operating conditions. The controller selectively engages power switches for large current adjustments and current controllable switches for precise current matching, optimizing both reliability and precision across different operational states.
2Measurement precision
If analog current controllable switches are used to provide precise current control, then current matching precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional switch components
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two functional modules: discrete power switching for coarse control and analog current control for fine adjustment. This modular segmentation reduces overall system complexity by assigning specific functions to each module, avoiding the need for a single complex control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using full analog control for the entire current range, the system applies partial analog action only for the fine-tuning portion of current control. The majority of current control is handled by simple discrete switches, reducing the complexity burden while maintaining precision where needed.
3Device complexity
If discrete power switches control current in stepped amounts, then the control system remains simple, but power distribution efficiency deteriorates due to inability to precisely match load requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control approach is segmented into discrete switching for power on/off control and analog current control for precise power matching. This segmentation enables simple discrete control for the majority of power management while using analog control only when precise power matching is required, minimizing energy loss without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The current controllable switches act as an intermediary between the discrete power switches and the load. They receive coarse control signals from power switches and translate them into precise current adjustments, enabling efficient power distribution while keeping the overall control system relatively simple.
4Adaptability or versatility
If both discrete and analog current control are implemented, then comprehensive current matching capability improves, but the control logic complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control logic is segmented into distinct decision pathways: one for discrete power switch control and another for analog current controllable switch control. This segmentation simplifies the overall control logic by creating clear, separate decision trees for each control mode, making the complex dual-control system more manageable and implementable.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sequential shunt regulator switch system and method is disclosed. A power switch is controlled to switch a first current from a power source to an electrical bus. Further, a current controllable switch provides a controlled current from the power source to the electrical bus.