Electric Power System Architectures Research Articles

Single-Inductor Multiple-Input–Multiple-Output Converter for CubeSats Electric Power System

State-of-the-art CubeSat electric power system (EPS) architectures employ multiple dc-dc converters to regulate the load voltage and maximize the solar energy harvest. However, this leads to the use of multiple bulky inductors in the CubeSat EPS which is much constrained by strict volume and weight restrictions. With the aim of achieving smaller EPS footprint, this paper presents a new single-inductor based multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) converter for CubeSat EPS. The operational principles of the proposed converter and its steady-state analysis are discussed, and converter modeling is performed. A control strategy is developed to achieve voltage regulation of the CubeSat loads and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for the PV panels under a wide-range of irradiation conditions. An experimental prototype based on the 1U CubeSat specifications is developed to validate the performance of the proposed MIMO converter.

Design rules to establish a credible More‐Electric Engine baseline power architecture concept

AbstractThe More‐Electric Engine (MEE), with its electrified engine auxiliary systems and increased multi‐shaft power offtake, is likely to become an increasingly central aspect of future More‐Electric Aircraft. Consequently, lightweight but resilient electrical power architectures are needed for these future MEE applications. However, whilst a range of MEE architectures exist in the research literature, no effective baseline architecture or standardised feature identification has been proposed to specifically address their unique design requirements. Accordingly, any underpinning technology‐focused research for critical MEE subsystems may ultimately have a reduced effectiveness without this credible baseline. Based on comprehensive design analyses, preliminary design requirements and anticipated operational modes, this article proposes key design rules for the formation of the first generic baseline MEE electrical power system architecture concept. Guidance is provided on features such as the number of power generation systems, the number and topologies of distribution channels, type of power conversion, essential load redundancy, and the location of emergency power supply. This article also provides full transparency of the design process so that key decision points can be revisited to capture application‐specific requirements and updates to certification requirements.

Multiport Converter for CubeSat

Maximizing solar energy harvesting and miniaturizing DC-to-DC converters will be a difficult task for the CubeSat that operates in low earth orbit (LEO), where size and weight are limited. To maximize solar energy collection, the electrical power system (EPS) architectures use numerous separate DC–DC converters, which will be problem for miniaturization of whole model because several inductors will be used in each converter. The key purpose of this article is to demonstrate a topology of multiport converter that requires only one inductor and a small number of components, reducing the overall system size. The proposed system will have half-bridge modules with series connection, connected parallelly with PV panels will power the battery system through a DC-DC boost converter. On considering the 1U CubeSat standards a prototype is used to verify the performance of the proposed converter in numerous case scenarios.

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.

THE BEHAVIOR OF THE ANNUAL ELECTRICITY DEMAND AND THE ROLE OF ECONOMIC GROWTH IN COLOMBIA

The electricity demand forecast allows countries to establish long-term plans and objectives for identifying gaps, selecting strategies, and designing the electric power system's architecture. Traditional models use GDP as the primary variable to forecast the electricity demand. The work presents an analysis of the relationship between electricity demand and economic growth, using regression methods with one or more variables. The GDP and sectoral GDP data was provided by Banco de la República de Colombia. The results validate the traditional model and offer alternative models that can relate the economy's different sectors with the electricity demand.Keywords: Energy Forecasting; Electricity Demand; Macroeconomics Indicator; Backward, Forward, and Stepwise methods.JEL Classifications: Q41, Q43, Q47.DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.11386

Comparison of Peak Power Tracking Based Electric Power System Architectures for CubeSats

CubeSats have been widely used for space research due to lower cost and faster development. The electric power system (EPS) is one of the key subsystems of CubeSat which powers all the other subsystems. One of the important steps in the EPS design is the selection of EPS architecture which should be done considering overall efficiency, battery size, reliability, and simplicity of control. In the literature, a general comparison between different architectures is performed without considering the mission parameters, power generation profile, and load profile based on the operational modes. Thus, the best possible EPS architecture may not be selected in the design phase. Therefore, the main objective of this article is to develop a systematic methodology to compare various peak power tracking EPS architectures of CubeSat in terms of orbital efficiency for all possible modes of operation, component count, reliability, and battery size to meet the required number of cycles of charge/discharge for the given mission duration. The proposed methodology has been demonstrated using the real data and scenarios of MYSAT-1, which is a 1U CubeSat developed and launched by Khalifa University. The results demonstrate that EPS architecture with series-connected maximum power tracking converters for solar panels and unregulated dc-bus has the highest efficiency for all operating modes, lower component count, higher reliability, and minimum battery capacity or longer lifetime for the same battery specifications.

Nanosatellite electrical power system architectures: Models, simulations, and tests

SummaryThis paper presents four of the most employed nanosatellite's Electrical Power System (EPS) architectures, comparing their efficiency through simulations and experiments. Every circuit architecture has been mathematically modeled in order to discuss the solar panel control technique and the overall architecture efficiency. Solar panels and EPS components have been analytically modeled and tested in order to comprehend their impact on the EPS efficiency. A test stand has been proposed to evaluate the circuits, emulating the solar irradiance and the nanosatellite power consumption. The following electrical power systems have been designed, implemented, and tested: the directly coupled architecture, the very low dropout (VLDO) voltage regulator architecture, the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) with an integrated circuit, and the MPPT architecture with a discrete boost regulator. A case study has been presented, testing all the EPS architectures according to the Floripa‐Sat I (1U CubeSat) power consumption profile. Experiments results have shown that, although the MPPT boost regulator architecture harvest more energy, it is the VLDO architecture that presents the best overall efficiency.

Electrical Power Generation in Aircraft: Review, Challenges, and Opportunities

The constant growth of air traffic, the demand for performance optimization, and the need for decreasing both operating and maintenance costs have encouraged the aircraft industry to move toward more electric solutions. As a result of this trend, electric power required on-board of aircraft has significantly increased through the years, causing major changes in electric power system architectures. Considering this scenario, this paper gives a review about the evolution of electric power generation systems in aircraft. The major achievements are highlighted and the rationale behind some significant developments discussed. After a brief historical overview of the early dc generators (both wind- and engine-driven), the reasons which brought the definitive passage to the ac generation, for larger aircraft, are presented and explained. Several ac generation systems are investigated with particular attention being focused on the voltage levels and the generator technology. Furthermore, examples of commercial aircraft implementing ac generation systems are provided. Finally, the trends toward modern generation systems are also considered giving prominence to their challenges and feasibility.

Investigation on the Selection of Electric Power System Architecture for Future More Electric Aircraft

This paper identifies the most promising electric power system (EPS) architecture for a future more electric aircraft based on reviews and evaluations of both system weight and stability feature of the existing EPS architectures. When comparing the overall system weight of different architectures, various aspects, including voltage generation, wiring system, ground operation, power conversion, and complexity of integrating alternative energy sources, are considered. After choosing the possible candidates among all the possible architectures by using weight-saving criterion, stability features for the initially selected candidates are further evaluated. Necessary simulation studies are carried out in MATLAB/Simulink to prove the correctness of stability study. Finally, the one both good at weight saving and with the highest stability region is deemed as the most promising EPS architecture for future MEAs.

Induction Machine for More Electric Aircraft: Enabling New Electrical Power System Architectures

With the trend toward more electric aircraft (mea), the onboard electrical power generation and distribution requires increased electrical power-generation capacity; improved electrical power system (EPS) availability and reliability; and optimized system weight, volume, and efficiency. New EPS architectures are needed to fulfill these performance improvement requirements, where the type of electrical generator can have greater impact on the fundamentals of the newly designed EPS architecture. This article explores the option of using an induction generator in a distributed EPS for commercial transport MEA. Induction generator-based electrical power generation and management system architectures for both the main-engine generation system and auxiliary power unit (APU) system are introduced, with a brief explanation of their operation principles and control methods.

Guest Editorial Marine Systems Electrification

Shipboard Electrical Applications are increasing in marine systems, from generators to users (propulsion, thrusters, handling, air conditioning, auxiliaries, actuators, and so on), as a matter of fact. Electrical applications are largely utilized in many classes of “all electric” and “more electric” ships, such as cruise liners, naval vessels, supply vessels, yachts, offshore energy vessels, platforms, drilling rigs, cable/pipe-layers, ice-breakers, inland waterways, and so on. Beside the development of electrical applications, competition demands to reduce volume, weight, and emissions in order to cut ship capital expenditures and operating costs. A revision to the existing electric power system architectures is regarded as a promising way to meet such demands. In this view, power electronics is a key enabling technology along with advanced grid controls, energy storage systems, and by-wire-actuators to make electrical energy utilization more efficient and rational.

A Modular Electrical Power System Architecture for Small Spacecraft

An electrical power system for low-Earth-orbit satellites, which can be reused for a variety of mission requirements with minimal redesign, is proposed. The goals of the proposed power system are achieved by modularizing the subsystems of a small spacecraft and designing them to allow any number of each module to be connected simultaneously. The modularized subsystems include solar energy generation and energy storage. The overall objectives will be accomplished without compromising efficiency or power system stability. The purpose of this paper is to describe the proposed power system and detail the experimental results. The generalized system can be used as a one-size-fits-all solution that only requires basic power systems knowledge to configure and operate.

Service Continuity Safety by Design: The Relevance of Electrical Power-System Architectures in Hospitals

By design, the power-system architectures of hospitals support enhanced electrical behavior that is also adequate to withstand external forces, such as earthquakes, fires, and floods, applying a Darwinian approach. The architecture of the power system, supported by supervision control systems and business continuity management (BCM), must guarantee operational performance that preserves global service continuity. The system design should incorporate fault selectivity and immunity to interference, easy maintainability of the system and its parts, flexibility, and expandability. This article deals with sample cases of systems in building complexes, applying the microapproach to satisfy hospital requirements and medical quality performance.

Topological Overview of Hybrid Electric and Fuel Cell Vehicular Power System Architectures and Configurations

This paper discusses the operational characteristics of the topologies for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), fuel cell vehicles (FCV), and more electric vehicles (MEV). A brief description of series hybrid, parallel hybrid, and fuel cell-based propulsion systems are presented. The paper also presents fuel cell propulsion applications, more specific to light-duty passenger cars as well as heavy-duty buses. Finally, some of the major fundamental issues that currently face these advanced vehicular technologies including the challenges for market penetration are highlighted.

A vision of an electric power architecture for the next generation

AbstractSince the present hierarchical power grid structure and AC interface are mature and rigid, a new electric power system architecture is proposed here to save the earth by making use of renewable energy sources. The architecture consists of a new concept and a historical technology, that is, a network of many “electric clusters” with a DC interface. The cluster includes dispersed electric power generators, electric appliances, electric storage, and “electric power routers.” The router is equipment to resourcefully route electrical energy between neighboring clusters and to manage electrical energy in the cluster. The transfers of electrical energy (between clusters and within clusters) and the generation of electricity from renewal energy sources (such as sunlight, wind, tides, and biogas) are intermittent and have very wide dynamic ranges, so that the interface must make use of DC. When we achieve an energy society with this architecture, we will be able to reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and materials use. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 150(1): 18–25, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20039

A Vision of the Electric Power System Architecture Aiming for Our New Generation

Since the present hierarchical grid structure and AC interface are so mature and too rigid, a new electric power system architecture is proposed here to save the Earth with renewable energy sources.The architecture consists of a new concept and a historical technology. That is network of many “electric power clusters” with DC interface. The cluster includes dispersed electric power generations, electric appliances, electric storage and “electric power router”. The router is equipment to resourcefully route electrical energy between such neighboring clusters and to manage electrical energy in the cluster. The transactions of electrical energy (inter clusters and/or intra cluster) and electric generations from renewal energy sources (like sun shine, wind, tide and bio gas) are intermittent and have very wide dynamic range, so, the interface must be by DC. When we achieve the energy society with the architecture, we will be able to reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas and materials.

Power management and distribution system for a more-electric aircraft (MADMEL)

A five-phase Power Management and Distribution System for a More-Electric Aircraft (MADMEL) program was awarded by the Air Force to Northrop/Grumman Military Aircraft Division in September 1991. The objective of the program is to design, develop, and demonstrate an advanced electrical power generation and distribution system for a More-Electric Aircraft (MEA). The MEA emphasizes the use of electrical power in place of hydraulics, pneumatic, and mechanical power to optimize the performance and life cycle cost of the aircraft. This paper presents an overview of the MADMEL program and a top-level summary of the program results, development and test of major components to date. In Phase I and Phase II studies, the electrical load requirements were established and the electrical power system architecture was defined for both near-term (NT-year 1996) and far-term (FT-year 2003) MEA application. The detailed design and specification for the Electrical Power System (EPS), its interface with the Vehicle Management System, and the test set-up were developed under Phase III. Phase IV, fabrication and testing of the subsystem level hardware, has been completed. Overall system level integration and testing, Phase V, is scheduled to be completed by September 1999.

JEM Electrical power system architecture

The paper recalls how JEM EPS (Japanese Experiment Module Electrical Power System) was designed and discusses a generalization of the EPS architecture to the other subsystems of the Space Station Manned Base and their integrity.