Reconfigurable Spacecraft Power Unit for Dual-Voltage Loads

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spacecraft power processing units are large and heavy, with distinct units required for thrusters and on-board systems, leading to inefficient use of space and weight on the spacecraft.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable power processing unit that includes multiple power modules with dual power sources, capable of switching between series and parallel configurations, controlled by contactors and a controller to adapt power output to different spacecraft loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If distinct power processing units are used for thrusters and on-board systems, then the power requirements of each system are met, but the weight and space on the spacecraft increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidpower processing unit weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple distinct power processing units into a single reconfigurable power processing unit that can serve both thruster and on-board system power requirements. This merging eliminates redundant components and reduces overall weight while maintaining the ability to independently control power delivery to different systems through switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reconfigurable power processing unit is designed to perform multiple functions by dynamically reconfiguring its internal circuit topology. It can operate in different modes to provide appropriate power characteristics for thrusters (high voltage, low current) and on-board systems (lower voltage, higher current) using the same hardware platform, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If distinct power processing units are used for thrusters and on-board systems, then the specific power requirements of each system are satisfied, but the space on the spacecraft increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidpower processing unit volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple distinct power processing units into a single reconfigurable power processing unit that can serve both thruster and on-board system power requirements. This merging eliminates redundant components and reduces overall weight while maintaining the ability to independently control power delivery to different systems through switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reconfigurable power processing unit is designed to perform multiple functions by dynamically reconfiguring its internal circuit topology. It can operate in different modes to provide appropriate power characteristics for thrusters (high voltage, low current) and on-board systems (lower voltage, higher current) using the same hardware platform, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Weight of moving object

If a reconfigurable power processing unit is used, then the weight and space are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower processing unit weightVSAvoidpower processing unit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reconfigurable power processing unit employs dynamic switching mechanisms that allow it to change its internal circuit configuration based on the power requirements of connected loads. This dynamic reconfigurability enables a single unit to replace multiple static units, reducing weight and space while managing complexity through automated control logic that handles the switching operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12202630B2Reconfigurable power processing unit for spacecraft operations

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 AEROJET ROCKETDYNE INC

AI summary

A reconfigurable power processing unit for a spacecraft including a plurality of power modules. Each of the power modules includes a first power source and a second power source. The first power source and the second power source are configured to be in series in a first state and in parallel in a second state. A plurality of contactors connect each power module to at least one of another power module in the plurality of power modules and a power processing output and are configured to control the state of the power modules.