A Novel Multiport Converter Interface for Solar Panels of CubeSat

Maximization of solar energy harvest and miniaturization of dc-dc converters are essential for low earth orbit (LEO) CubeSats, which are constrained by volume and weight restrictions. The state-of-the-art electric power system (EPS) architectures utilize several individual dc-dc converters to maximize solar energy harvest but it has a tradeoff with miniaturization as it requires several inductors. The main objective of this article is to propose a single-inductor-based multiport converter topology for the LEO CubeSat's EPS. The proposed topology interfaces the photovoltaic (PV) panels to the energy storage system and a control strategy have been developed to extract maximum solar power from each PV panel under wide varying irradiation conditions of the LEO CubeSat. The proposed topology consists of series-connected half-bridge modules fed by PV panels and their output is supplied to the energy storage system via a boost converter. The principle of operation is introduced followed by steady-state analysis and converter dynamics analysis. The performance of the proposed converter is verified for several case studies with an experimental prototype developed based on 1U CubeSat specifications.

Automated summary

A single-inductor-based multiport converter topology is proposed for the electric power system of LEO CubeSats. This topology allows for maximum solar power extraction from each PV panel under varying irradiation conditions.