PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
The project aims to develop modular power conditioning units for solar array sections using a switching regulator. This approach ensures precise power regulation while integrating a Battery Charge Control and Monitoring System based on a battery follower architecture. The main goals are:
- Battery current control: which dynamically adjusts charge current and voltage limits.
- Solar Array integration: the number of SA sections connected to the main bus are based on power demand and system constraints.
- Deliverable outcome: an engineering qualification model of a market-driven PCDU, optimized for cost, mass, volume, and efficiency, while maintaining compatibility with existing Airbus Crisa PCDUs.
Challenges
The key technical challenge is adapting battery level control and solar array power regulation functions to Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components while preserving the performance, reliability, and integration of heritage designs. Additionally:
- Both designs must fit within the existing mechanical design of previously developed Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs).
- The controller architecture must ensure a seamless adaptation of the SA power regulation stage, including regulation and switch control via the Main Error Amplifier in the battery module.
- The control system must allow programmable battery charge current and voltage limits via the CTRL module.
System Architecture
This project is limited to the development of battery module to provide battery charge control and monitoring, the development of a conditioning module to condition the solar array sections by a switching regulator. The Telemetry and Telecommand (TM/TC) management is implemented via CAN serial bus is implemented.
Plan
The project aims to develop an Engineering Quality Model (TRL7) with a distributed design across three phases:
- Architecture and Preliminary Design Phase (RR to PDR): Verify feasibility of design;
- Detailed Design Phase (PDR to CDR): Unit characterisation. Design approval;
- Validation Phase (CDR to QR): Unit Qualification.
Current Status
Requirement Review is planned on June 2025.
