Transcript Document 7661608

PPU’s for Next Generation EP
Brian Gilchrist, UM
Steve Battel, Battel Engineering (consultant)
List of investigators
Alec Gallimore, UM
Ken Arnett, UM-Space Physics Research Lab
Others - TBD
Abstract – Present electric propulsion power processing unit (PPU) technology represent a major
cost element in modern spacecraft electric propulsion systems. This is especially so because
each spacecraft tends to have its own unique power bus. This suggests that a more versatile
design architecture could be adopted that would allow greater spacecraft to spacecraft
portability. This could provide a significant advantage in system development time, qualification,
and ultimately cost savings. This also represents an excellent opportunity to explore advanced
architectures and serve as a way to attract students to the aerospace power electronics
profession. Michigan and consultant Battel Engineering, Inc. are proposing to collaborate with
our industrial partners and others to address these issues.
PPU’s for Next Generation EP
Background and Motivation
• PPU architecture is highly
customized and often specific
for each mission and spacecraft
– 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 strong
history of student space activities
PPU’s for Next Generation EP
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 V2’s
TIDI Flight Hardware for TIMED Mission
01//2008
AOSS/SPRL Engineering Introduction
Edmonson
PPU’s for Next Generation EP
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 w/ CNC
Capabilities
• Thermal and Thermal-Vacuum Test
Chambers
• Optical Test Laboratories
01//2008
AOSS/SPRL Engineering Introduction
Edmonson
PPU’s for Next Generation EP
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*
500W 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 arrival
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
PPU’s for Next Generation EP
Objective of Research
• Explore and prototype new PPU architectures
– Promotes multiple mission capabilities
– Maintains high end-to-end efficiency
• Engage graduate and undergraduate students in
research
– Attract students to power electronic systems
PPU’s for Next Generation EP
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
PPU’s for Next Generation EP
Anticipated Results
• Credible new prototype PPU architectures
defined
• Students engaged at graduate and
undergraduate level
– Students attracted to power electronic
profession