Solar Array Bus Voltage Regulator for Small Satellite Using FS3R (Fixed Switching String Shunt Regulator) Technique

This paper presents the design of a solar array bus voltage regulator for small spacecraft applications by introducing a novel technique using Fixed Switching String Shunt Regulator (FS
³
R). The primary objective is to enhance the performance of established Hysteresis (L TP & UTP) control Shunt Regulator and Sequential Switching Shunt Regulator (S
³
R) by employing an innovative hysteresis level implementation method. The proposed method involves the management of the solar array output power through dynamic ranges of coarse control and a single fine control, with intent to enhance efficiency and reliability of spacecraft power system. In addition, it provides better results than other methods in terms of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), noise coupling, bus ripple voltage and ease of building control loops. Simulation results and experimental findings are demonstrated here to validate the effectiveness and practical approach of FS
³
R technique. [11]–[17].