Simulation of DC spacecraft power systems

A modular state-variable approach is presented for DC spacecraft power system modeling and simulation. Each modular component is treated as a multiport network, and a state model is written with the port voltages as the inputs. The state model of a component is solved independently of the other components, using its state transition matrix. The state variables of each component are updated, assuming that the inputs are constant. Network analysis principles are then utilized to calculate the component inputs     

A composite focal plane assembly for the GERB instrument

In this paper, we present the design and construction of a composite focal plane assembly (FPA) for the Geostationary Earth Radiation Budget (GERB) Earth observing, visible–infrared imaging radiometer. The FPA is a complex structure that incorporates a number of features aimed at reducing mass, power and volume. These include the use of silicon and ceramic substrates for high density tracking and temperature stabilisation, removable test structures for component verification prior to final assembly and high levels of integration.     

Higher Voltage Aircraft Power Systems

Modern aircraft designs are focused on minimising the use of engine bleed air, eliminating gearboxes, and reducing the reliance on hydraulic systems. Instead, many of these mechanical systems will be replaced with electrical versions. The increasing amounts of electrical power that will be shipped through an aircraft means that it is increasingly difficult to rely on low voltage power systems owing to voltage drop and weight constraints. This discusses the challenges that relate to the safe use of higher voltage systems within aircraft.     

Modeling double-layer capacitor behavior using ladder circuits

The double-layer capacitor (DLC) is a very complex device that is best represented by a distributed parameter system. Many different lumped-parameter equivalent circuits have been proposed for the DLC. An examination into utilizing a ladder circuit to model a DLC is presented. Parameters for different ladder circuits are determined from AC impedance data. Variations in circuit parameters with DC bias and manufacturing have been investigated. The performance of the ladder circuit has been evaluated in slow discharge and pulse load applications.     

Harmonic analysis of a parallel-loaded resonant converter

A method for calculating the harmonic components of the currents and voltages in a parallel-loaded resonant converter using frequency-domain techniques is presented. The converter is divided into an inverter section and a rectifier section. A harmonic model is developed for the resonant converter in which the rectifier section is treated as a voltage-dependent current sink. All voltages and currents in this model are represented by a Fourier series. The unknown coefficients in all Fourier series are calculated by using the harmonic model and Kirchhoff's laws. Because of the nonlinear nature of the rectifier section, an iterative technique must be utilized to find the unknown Fourier coefficients     

Simulation of power electronic circuits containing nonlinear inductances

Power electronic circuits which contain nonlinear inductances are described by a set of nonlinear state equations. The author presents a sampled-data model for the circuit from which a set of linear state equations can be formulated. In the sampled-data model, the nonlinear inductor is modeled by an ideal sampler, a variable gain, and a clamp. The state variables for the circuit are updated during the simulation using a three-step procedure. One step involves the solution of the linear state equations using a technique such as the state transition matrix approach. Two additional steps are employed to account for the effects of the ideal sampler, variable gain, and clamp.<>