Power Management for PnP Spacecraft

This research work will produce an innovative Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) system design that can support both heritage satellite components and the new power compatible plug-and-play (PnP) methodology. The proposed PMAD system design will support a significant range of power requirements for satellites with fewer power switches, fewer current monitors and simpler hierarchical management. In addition, a sophisticated simulation tool will be developed to assist design engineers at the AFRL Testbed with component selection, confirm power system is sized correctly and mission requirements are met. Anticipated benefits of 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. This study will define standards for both PMAD and PnP power components to assure compatibility during integration, enhance mission and systems design tools, implement PnP power standards for xTEDS, develop a PMAD “smart” architecture design that supports the PnP principle and the power management tools that allow autonomous on-orbit operation, as well as demonstrate utility and efficacy of those tools with “day in the life” simulations and provide a mature design for a prototype flight-like device for Phase II efforts.