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Solar Array Voltage Regulation Study
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English
Abstract
This study investigates the advantages and limitations of regulating solar array voltage in space power systems. The technique has application to systems in which the array sources current-mode battery chargers, load converters, or arcjet thrusters. The negative input impedance of these devices normally results in array voltage collapse if operated on the high-impedance (or low-voltage) side of the array. By regulating array voltage, and following the criteria developed through this study, voltage collapse is precluded and the array may be operated at any voltage. This eliminates the need to bias peak-power tracking systems short of the maximum power point for stability, and has the added advantage of attenuating bus transients from pulsed loads. The major drawback to this technique is that the regulation loop is at best conditionally stable when operated on the high impedance side of the array, so the design must ensure that a significant gain loss cannot occur.
Authors
Citation
Caldwell, D., Carian, P., and Landis, D., "Solar Array Voltage Regulation Study," SAE Technical Paper 929454, 1992, https://doi.org/10.4271/929454.Also In
References
- Caldwell D. J. “Generalized Stability Criteria for Negative Impedance Loads,” 26th IECEC Aug. 1991
- Caldwell D. J. “Minimize Loading Errors in Loop Gain Measurements,” EDN Magazine May 24 1990
- Caldwell D. J. Bavaro L. Terry Carian Peter J. “Advanced Space Power System with Optimized Peak Power Tracking,” 26th IECEC Aug. 1991
- Caldwell D. J. “System Design of ELITE Power Processing Unit,” 26th IECEC Aug. 1991
- Caldwell D. J. “Solar Power System with Simplified Peak Power Tracking System,” PCIM 92 Sept. 1992