Solar Array Regulator with Three-Mode Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar array regulators for spacecraft face inefficiencies due to specific adaptation requirements for different solar array configurations and stability issues with step-up and step-down converters, leading to reduced power transfer efficiency and increased weight in unregulated bus systems.
Innovation Solution
A solar array regulator with a three-mode switching voltage converter and a single current control loop using pulse-width modulation signals, allowing for step-up, step-down, and direct energy transfer operations, which stabilizes the converter and minimizes hardware complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If Direct Energy Transfer (DET) regulators are used to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different solar array configurations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal regulator design that can operate in multiple modes (DET mode and switching converter mode) to accommodate different solar array configurations and power bus types. The regulator electronics are designed to be reconfigurable, allowing the same hardware to adapt to various array voltages, currents, and bus impedance characteristics without requiring mission-specific customization.
2Loss of energy
If switching voltage converters are used to improve power transfer efficiency, then energy loss is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic control strategy that switches between DET mode and switching converter mode based on real-time operating conditions. The regulator continuously monitors solar array characteristics and power bus status, dynamically selecting the optimal operating mode to minimize energy losses while avoiding the need for complex hardware that would be required if switching converters were always active.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the switching functionality from a dedicated always-active converter and implements it only when needed through a controlled switching mechanism. This allows the system to achieve the benefits of switching conversion (improved power transfer efficiency) only when necessary, while maintaining the simplicity of DET operation during conditions where it is sufficient.
3Loss of energy
If step-up or step-down converters are used to match voltage levels, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but stability issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism that continuously monitors the operating conditions and adjusts the converter operation accordingly. The regulator uses feedback from solar array voltage and current measurements to determine when switching converter operation is appropriate and to maintain stable operation during mode transitions. This feedback ensures that the system remains stable across varying environmental conditions and load demands.
4Ease of manufacture
If DET regulators are used for simplicity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but weight increases due to battery discharge regulators in LEO missions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal regulator that can serve multiple functions depending on mission requirements. For LEO missions with unregulated battery buses, the same regulator hardware can operate in switching converter mode to provide both power transfer optimization and bus regulation, eliminating the need for separate battery discharge regulators and reducing overall system weight while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized components.
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 solution achieves efficient power transfer and reduced weight by maintaining high efficiency across varying solar array conditions and bus voltage levels, comparable to traditional Sequential Switching Shunt Regulators, while avoiding switching losses in direct energy transfer modes.
Implementation Method 1
a first and a second switching cell for selectively perform step-up conversion, step-down conversion or direct transfer of electric power
Data Source
AI summary
A solar array system includes at least one solar array and at least one solar array regulator. The solar array regulator has an input port to be connected to the solar array, and an output port to be connected to a power bus. The solar array comprises a switching voltage converter comprising a step-down (PC1) and a step-up (PC2) power cell connected in cascade; and a control circuit for driving said voltage converter in a step-up, a step-down or a direct energy transfer mode, depending on an input control signal and on at least one feedback signal (SILF) indicative of an operating condition of said switching voltage converter; characterized in that said at least one feedback signal (SILF) is indicative of an intensity of an electrical current (IL) flowing between said step-down and said step-up power cells, whereby the control circuit implements an internal current feedback control.