Transcript Slide 1

Next Generation EP PPUs
Brian Gilchrist, UM
Steve Battel, Battel Engineering (consultant)
List of investigators
Alec Gallimore, UM
Ken Arnett, UM-Space Physics Research Lab
Others - TBD
Abstract – Power processing units (PPUs) represent a major cost element of spacecraft electric
propulsion (EP) systems. Space vehicles tend to have unique power bus characteristics that
cause the tailoring of PPU designs to maximize system performance. A more versatile PPU
design architecture would allow greater spacecraft-to-spacecraft portability and provide a
significant advantage in system development time, robustness, and cost. The University of
Michigan and Battel Engineering, Inc. are proposing to collaborate with our industrial partners to
develop new and novel PPU design topologies that capture the desired attributes noted above.
Besides exploring advanced architectures, our proposed activity also represents an excellent
opportunity to attract top-notch graduate students and undergraduates to the aerospace power
electronics profession.
Next Generation EP PPUs
Background and Motivation
• PPU architecture is highly
customized and often specific
for each mission and spacecraft
(e.g. costly)
– Can a more modular
approach be explored?
– Can new architectures be
explored via the I-UCRC?
• Attracting students to power
electronic systems is always a
challenge
– Can the I-UCRC help?
2-kW Space System Power Control Unit
Courtesy Aerojet (For Public Release)
Michigan and Michigan Tech have a
strong history of student space
activities
Next Generation EP PPUs
SPRL Engineering Heritage
• Supported AOSS/SPRL PIs in
the development of space
research instruments since
1946
• Over 100 rocket, aircraft &
balloon experiments developed
to-date
• Over 35 major space
instruments developed to-date
• Engineering & technical
services provided to UM and
industry
Home of SPRL Today
Early “Double Probes” flown on V2s
TIDI Flight Hardware for TIMED Mission
01//2008
AOSS/SPRL Engineering Introduction
Edmonson
Next Generation EP PPUs
SPRL Major Engineering Facilities
• 63,000 sq. ft. Physical Plant
• Large Class 10,000 High-Bay
Integration Clean Room
• Large High-Bay Integration and Test
Laboratory
• Electronics Fabrication Clean Room
• Multiple Project Development
Areas
• EMI/EMC Test Screen Room
• Instrument Machine Shop with
CNC Capabilities
• Thermal and Thermal-Vacuum Test
Chambers
• Optical Test Laboratories
01//2008
AOSS/SPRL Engineering Introduction
Edmonson
Next Generation EP PPUs
Battel Engineering
• Steven Battel –
– President, Battel Engineering
– Providing engineering, development and
review services to NASA, DOD, University,
and Industrial clients
– 31 years experience
– Over 200 electronic systems flown in space
• Areas of specialization
– program management, systems engineering
– power systems, high voltage systems
– precision electronics design, scientific
instrument design, spacecraft avionics,
SAM Power Supply & HV Modules*
500-W HV Power Supply Breadboard
*SAM Units fabricated at UM-SPRL
Phoenix/TEGA Electronics Development
(Thermal Emission Gas Analyzer)
NASA/Phoenix/Scout Mars Lander
2007 launch, 2008 landing, Success!!
Analog and high-voltage electronics
designed and manufactured by SPRL in
partnership with Battel Engineering
Flight electronics delivered for integration
& test – 11/2005
01//2008
AOSS/SPRL Engineering Introduction
Edmonson
Next Generation EP PPUs
Objective of Research
• Explore and prototype new PPU architectures
– Promotes multiple mission/vehicle capabilities
– Maintains high end-to-end efficiency
• Engage graduate and undergraduate students in
research
– Attract students to power electronic systems
Next Generation EP PPUs
Technical Approach
• Form Working Group collaboration of UM/SPRL (prime),
Battel Engineering (consulting) (possibly additional
institutions) with industry partners
– Focus on new PPU architectures/prototypes
• Recruit students from Michigan, Michigan Tech, and
elsewhere
– Support power system hands-on space system student
projects through mentoring and training
– Guide most capable students to primary research
– Capitalize on student-faculty space flight opportunities
(CUBESATS & S3FL)
Next Generation EP PPUs
Anticipated Results
• Credible new prototype PPU architectures
defined
• Students engaged at graduate and
undergraduate level
– Students attracted to power electronic
profession