POWER CONVERSION AND DISTRIBUTION MODULE FOR SATELLITE IN THE 500-2000W RANGE

The Power Conversion and Distribution Module is intended to manage electrical power supply of a space system deriving primary power from a photovoltaic source and using a Li-Ion battery for energy storage. The system configuration is based on an Unregulated Bus, directly connected to the battery. The primary source is a photovoltaic generator split in n. 4 Solar Array sections, which are independently interfaced to the Bus by dedicated Solar Array Power Regulators (SAPR) capable to operate in Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) mode as well as in CC-CV battery charging mode. Different kinds of output power supply lines are available: regulated voltage, unregulated voltage or pulsed current. All outputs have specific protections. The Power Module uses CAN bus for receiving commands and transmitting telemetries. Direct command/telemetry lines are also implemented for specific purposes. Monitoring and control of the Power Module is managed by a data processing unit, based on a 32-bit microcontroller. The design is based on COTS components, with automotive grade. Space-grade components are only used for the Latching Current Limiters (LCL) used for protection of the voltage outputs.