Sequential shunt solar array controller
US7777367B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 8, 2008 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 7, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/56
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A current controller for a spacecraft comprises ripple regulators and a pulse width modulated regulator. Ripple regulators receive current from associated current sources and pass current to or shunts current away from the bus. The pulse width modulated regulator receives current from another current source and passes a portion of the current to the bus. This regulator varies its set point to float between ripple regulators passing current and the ripple regulators shunting current and adjusts a portion of current that is shunted away from the bus. The current shunted by the regulators form a total shunt current. The variable set point of the pulse width modulated regulator varies as the total shunt current varies. The ripple regulator set points do not vary in this manner. An error generation circuit generates an error that adjusts the ripple regulator and the pulse width modulated regulator to a desired bus voltage level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.