A Modular Power Converter for Austere Space Environments

ABSTRACT:Spacecraft power management relies upon DC-DC converters to provide multiple voltages from the storage battery. Currently available converters have shortcomings in areas of power density, tolerance to radiation and wide operating temperatures, and excessive development cost. We propose to develop a high specific power converter that is compatible with spacecraft operational environments and is modular for broad applicability. To achieve these goals, we will utilize advanced components having intrinsic environmental compliance, thorough design and analysis, and a simple architecture that can be adapted for a range of voltage conversion needs. We will develop the complete power converter, including power components, supporting analog and microcontroller electronics, and thermal management hardware. During Phase I we will prove feasibility with design and subscale prototype demonstration of a modular 5 kW boost converter topology that can be cascaded for higher power levels; is suitable for large satellites; and is also easily adaptable to lower power, step-down, and multiple output converters. During Phase II we will design, build, and demonstrate a full-scale power converter sized for a specific spacecraft application and execute our commercialization plan to address broad future needs.BENEFIT:The successful completion of the proposed work will establish a complete and modular power converter design that will improve radiation hardness, enable operation over a wide temperature range, reduce size and mass, and streamline application to a variety of spacecraft power conversion needs. The first application is for power conversion between batteries and higher voltage buses on large satellites requiring 5 kW 30 kW.