Electronic Controller for Sunpower Stirling Power Convertor

While many spaceborne systems utilize solar arrays for onboard power generation, a number of applications including deep space exploration and planetary missions must instead utilize alternate forms of power generation due to the lack of solar power flux and / or the incompatibility of large solar arrays with mission constraints. nbsp;For such systems, an attractive option is to utilize a radioisotope heat source coupled to a high-efficiency thermal / electrical power converter such as the Sunpower Robust Stirling Convertor (SRSC). nbsp; To this end, the West Coast Solutions (WCS) and Sunpower, Inc. team has successfully completed a Phase I development program for the Stirling Convertor Space Controller (SCSC). nbsp;As its name implies, the SCSC is intended to be a space-compatible controller and power bus interface unit for the SRSC. nbsp;The SCSC provides control for the SRSC, while also conditioning generated power such that it is compatible with the general spacecraft 28V bus for purposes related to battery charging, powering connected systems, etc. nbsp; The Phase I program included the design of a preliminary SCSC Flight Model system, including identification of critical space-compatible electrical components with sufficient packaging and radiation hardness characteristics for use in the intended environments. nbsp;The proposed Phase II program continues SCSC maturation with an Engineering Model produced and qualified to TRL 6 via relevant environmental and functional testing. nbsp;nbsp; nbsp;