List of investigators

PPU’s for Next Generation EP

Brian Gilchrist, UMSteve Battel, Battel Engineering (consultant)Alec Gallimore, UMKen Arnett, UM-Space Physics Research LabOthers - TBD

Abstract – Present electric propulsion power processing unit (PPU) technology represent a major cost element in modern spacecraft electric propulsion systems. This is especially so because each spacecraft tends to have its own unique power bus. This suggests that a more versatile design architecture could be adopted that would allow greater spacecraft to spacecraft portability. This could provide a significant advantage in system development time, qualification, and ultimately cost savings. This also represents an excellent opportunity to explore advanced architectures and serve as a way to attract students to the aerospace power electronics profession. Michigan and consultant Battel Engineering, Inc. are proposing to collaborate with our industrial partners and others to address these issues.

PPU’s for Next Generation EP

• PPU architecture is highly customized and often specific for each mission and spacecraft– Can a more modular

approach be explored?– Can new architectures be

explored via the I-UCRC?• Attracting students to power

electronic systems is always a challenge– Can the I-UCRC help?

Background and Motivation

2 kW Space System Power Control UnitCourtesy Aerojet (For Public Release)

Michigan and Michigan Tech strong history of student space activities

SPRL Engineering Heritage

• Supported AOSS/SPRL PIs in the development of space research instruments since 1946

• Over 100 rocket, aircraft & balloon experiments developed to-date

• Over 35 major space instruments developed to-date

• Engineering & technical services provided to UM and industry

TIDI Flight Hardware for TIMED Mission

Home of SPRL Today

Early “Double Probes” flown on V2’s

PPU’s for Next Generation EP

Edmonson01//2008 AOSS/SPRL Engineering Introduction

Edmonson01//2008 AOSS/SPRL Engineering Introduction

SPRL Major Engineering Facilities• 63,000 sq. ft. Physical Plant• Large Class 10,000 High-Bay

Integration Clean Room• Large High-Bay Integration and Test

Laboratory• Electronics Fabrication Clean Room• Multiple Project Development

Areas• EMI/EMC Test Screen Room• Instrument Machine Shop w/ CNC

Capabilities• Thermal and Thermal-Vacuum Test

Chambers • Optical Test Laboratories

PPU’s for Next Generation EP

PPU’s for Next Generation EP

• Steven Battel – – President, Battel Engineering – Providing engineering, development and

review services to NASA, DOD, University, and Industrial clients

– 31 years experience– Over 200 electronic systems flown in space

• Areas of specialization – program management, systems engineering – power systems, high voltage systems– precision electronics design, scientific

instrument design, spacecraft avionics,

Battel Engineering

SAM Power Supply & HV Modules*

500W HV Power Supply Breadboard

*SAM Units fabricated at UM-SPRL

Phoenix/TEGA Electronics Development (Thermal Emission Gas Analyzer)

Analog and high voltage electronics designed and manufactured by SPRL in partnership with Battel EngineeringFlight electronics delivered for integration & test – 11/2005

NASA/Phoenix/Scout Mars Lander2007 launch, 2008 arrival

Edmonson01//2008 AOSS/SPRL Engineering Introduction

PPU’s for Next Generation EP

• Explore and prototype new PPU architectures – Promotes multiple mission capabilities– Maintains high end-to-end efficiency

• Engage graduate and undergraduate students in research– Attract students to power electronic systems

Objective of Research

PPU’s for Next Generation EP

• Form Working Group collaboration of UM/SPRL (prime), Battel Engineering (consulting) (possibly additional institutions) with industry partners– Focus on new PPU architectures/prototypes

• Recruit students from Michigan, Michigan Tech, and elsewhere– Support power system hands-on space system

student projects through mentoring and training– Guide most capable students to primary research

Technical Approach

PPU’s for Next Generation EP

• Credible new prototype PPU architectures defined

• Students engaged at graduate and undergraduate level– Students attracted to power electronic

profession

Anticipated Results