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An Advanced Photovoltaic Array Regulator ModuleCurrent trends in satellite design are focused on developing small, reliable, and inexpensive spacecraft. To that end, a modular power management and distribution system is proposed which will help transition the aerospace industry towards an assembly line approach to building spacecraft. The modular system is based on an innovative DC voltage boost converter called the Series Connected Boost Unit (SCBU). The SCBU uses any isolating DC-DC converter and adds a unique series connection. This simple modification provides the SCBU topology with many advantages over existing boost converters. Efficiencies of 94-98%, power densities above 1,000 W/kg, and inherent fault tolerance are just a few of the characteristics presented. Limitations of the SCBU technology are presented, and it is shown that the SCBU makes an ideal photovoltaic an-ay regulator. A set of photovoltaic power system requirements are presented that can be applied to almost any low Earth orbit satellite. Finally, a modular design based on the series connected boost unit is outlined and functional descriptions of the components are given.
Document ID
19960045838
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Button, Robert M. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1996
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
E-10391
NASA-TM-107304
IECEC-96424
NAS 1.15:107304
Report Number: E-10391
Report Number: NASA-TM-107304
Report Number: IECEC-96424
Report Number: NAS 1.15:107304
Meeting Information
Meeting: Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference
Location: Washington, DC
Country: United States
Start Date: August 11, 1996
End Date: August 16, 1996
Sponsors: American Inst. of Chemical Engineers, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc., American Inst. of Electrical Engineers, American Nuclear Society
Accession Number
96N32706
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 233-1A-1C
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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