• A Solar Panel curve tracer based on a Raspberry Pi has been developed. • The system uses the capacitive charging method. • An Analog Discovery 2 is used for the data acquisition. • The device has a graphical user interface programmed in python. • Possible failures of a photovoltaic installation can be detected with this device.

Power distribution using latching current limiters (LCLs) [also known as solid-state power controllers (SSPCs)] is very common for 28- and 50-V bus voltage distribution on European satellite platforms. However, 100-V and even higher voltage distribution platforms generally do not employ the same approach as lower bus voltage platforms since the commonly employed p-MOSFET devices are not well suited for such voltage levels. This work introduces an LCL for 100-V distribution units using a composite power device consisting of a low-voltage p-MOSFET device and a high-voltage, normally-ON silicon carbide junction field effect transistor (SiC JFET). The description of the circuit and the experimental validation using a hypothetical class-2 (2.2–2.8 A), 100-V, LCL is discussed. In addition, in this work, two interesting characteristics are also proposed and validated, and automatic control of the tripping time depending on the overload severity and soft starts for capacitive inrush currents. Robustness and fast reaction, less than 500 ns under short-circuit conditions, have been demonstrated, as well as tight current regulation during overload faults.

This paper proposes a solar array regulation technique for a high-voltage satellite power bus. The regulation method combines on-off control at low frequency, i.e. kHz range, of highly efficient isolated and unregulated dc-dc converters operating at high frequency, i.e. hundreds of kHz. Although this technique can adopt different implementations, this paper deals with a hysteretic voltage control loop at low frequency, also known (Sequential Switching Shunt Regulator - S3R), and unregulated, isolated, current-fed, zero-voltage and zero-current push-pull dc-dc converters. Design guidelines and experimental validation are provided.

Many applications (electric vehicles, renewable energies, low-voltage DC grids) require simple, high-power density and low-current ripple-boost converters. Traditional step-up converters are limited when large transformation ratios are involved. In this work is proposed a step-up converter that brings together the characteristics of high gain, low ripple, and high-power density. From the converter proposal, a mathematical analysis of its operation is first performed, including its static transfer function, stress of components, and voltage and current ripples. Furthermore, it provides a design example for an application of V_in = 48 V to V_o = 270 V and 500 W. For its implementation, two different wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor models have been used, hybrid GaN cascodes and SiC MOSFETs. Finally, the experimental results of the produced prototypes are shown, and the results are discussed.

The adoption of high bus voltage, in the range of 300 V - 400 V, is being considered for high power satellites. This has been motivated by electrical propulsion systems and increased payload capacity. The transition from 100 V to a higher bus voltage largely impacts in all power system elements, dealing this work with two major issues, solar array regulation and power distribution by solid state switches. Two novel concepts are covered in this work, a solar array regulator and a solid-state distribution switch. The application of these concepts are discussed for high voltage applications. Examples and experimental validation are also included.

This article proposes a photovoltaic power processor for high-voltage and high-power distribution bus, between 300 V and 900 V, to be used in future space platforms like large space stations or lunar bases. Solar arrays with voltages higher than 100 V are not available for space application, being necessary to apply power conversion techniques. The idea behind this is to use series-connected zero-voltage and zero-current unregulated and isolated DC converters to achieve high bus voltage from the existing solar arrays. Bus regulation is then achieved through low-frequency hysteretic control. Topology description, semiconductor selection, design procedure, simulation and experimental validation, including tests in vacuum and partial pressures, are presented.