Efficient Operation of a Space-Based PWM Shunt Voltage Regulator
Journal of Al-Nahrain University: Engineering, Vol.2, No.2, pp. 1-12, Baghdad, Iraq, October 1998
15 Pages Posted: 21 Oct 2019
Date Written: October 10, 1998
Abstract
The paper presents an approach to design a space-based voltage regulator in which a microprocessor is used as a controller. The proposed system meets the demands of space-missions, i.e., reliable, efficient, flexible, low weight, low volume, and less development time. The bus voltage regulation is achieved by two stages. First, coarse regulation is done by switching the solar array sections on and off via a solar array switching unit. Second, fine regulation is done using a PWM shunt that is designed to regulate the output of one solar array section. Thus, power losses are significantly reduced and assembly of the unit is simplified by reducing the heat sink requirement. The design reliability of the system is improved by constructing a second (Standby) regulator system to come into action in case of the original (Active) regulator becomes faulty. The design and performance of the individual components of such a regulator system are discussed in detail with a particular reference to 30 W prototype. However, the prototype design is such that it can be easily expanded to higher ratings.
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