Power Management for PnP Spacecraft

This research work will culminate in an innovative Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) system design, operational software, a Plug and Play (PnP) Li Ion battery, and the radiation hardened components that support the new Space PnP Avionics (SPA) methodology for responsive spacecraft. The system will support a significant range of power requirements for satellites (100s of watts to over 10kW) with fewer configurable components and simple hierarchical management. The PMAD “smart” architecture design that supports the PnP principle along with the modular power management software and self managed battery will allow a high degree of autonomy for on-orbit operations. In addition, a sophisticated simulation tool to assist design engineers with component sizing and configuration and confirm that the power system meets the mission requirements will be validated against flight data. Anticipated benefits of the SPA compatible PMAD system are reduced design time, simpler integration, rapid mission configuration, more autonomous operation, and reduced mission operations as well as decreased cost and schedule.