Regulated peak power tracking (RPPT) system using parallel converter topologies

Abstract

Regulated peak power tracking (RPPT) systems such as the series structure and the series-parallel structures are commonly used in satellite space power systems. However, these structures process the solar array power or the battery power to the load through two cascaded regulators during one orbit cycle, which reduces the energy transfer efficiency. Also the battery charging time is increased due to placement of converter between the battery and the solar array. In this paper a parallel structure has been proposed which can improve the energy transfer efficiency and the battery charging time for satellite space power RPPT systems. An analogue controller is used to control all of the required functions, such as load voltage regulation and solar array stabilization with maximum power point tracking (MPPT). In order to compare the system efficiency and the battery charging efficiency of the proposed structure with those of a series (conventional) structure and a simplified series-parallel structure, simulations are performed and the results are analyzed using a loss analysis model. The proposed structure charges the battery more quickly when compared to the other two structures. Also the efficiency of the proposed structure has been improved under different modes of solar array operation when compared with the other two structures. To verify the system, experiments are carried out under different modes of solar array operation, including PPT charge, battery discharge, and eclipse and trickle charge.

Publication Title

Journal of Power Electronics

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