Stability Testing and Analysis of a PMAD DC Test Bed for the Space Station Freedom
ABSTRACT The Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) DC Test Bed at the NASA Lewis Research Center is introduced. Its usefulness to the Space Station Freedom Electrical Power System (EPS) development and design are discussed in context of verifying system stability. Stability criteria developed by Middlebrook and Cuk are discussed as they apply to constant power DC to DC converters exhibiting negative input impedance at low frequencies. The utility-type Secondary Subsystem is presented and each component is described. The instrumentation used to measure input and output impedance under load is defined. Test results obtained from input and output impedance measurements of test bed components are presented. It is shown that the PMAD DC Test Bed Secondary Subsystem meets the Middlebrook stability criterion for certain loading conditions. INTRODUCTION The Space Station Freedom (SSF) Electrical Power System (EPS) is a multi-kilowatt DC power system. The eventual goal is to provide 56kW (75kW peak) of power through six (6) 9.3kW (12.5kW peak) channels. Each channel is comprised of a source subsystem, a 16OVdc (nominal) primary distribution system, and a 120Vdc secondary distribution system. The source subsystem generates and regulates the 16OVdc primary power. The primary distribution power is converted to 120Vdc by DC to DC Converters (DDCUs). The secondary distribution system then distributes the 120Vdc power to the SSF users. A Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) DC Test Bed has been developed at the NASA Lewis Research Center to provide early component and systems level data to support the development of flight hardware and EPS design. The PMAD DC Test Bed consists of breadboard hardware, configured as a single EPS channel, from power sources to user loads[l]. The Space Station Freedom Electrical Power System is unique in many ways. It will be the first space-based power system that will not have clearly defined loading conditions. Over the life of the power system hundreds
EMTP Based Stability Analysis of Space Station Electric Power System in a Test Bed Environment
The Space Station Freedom Electric Power System (EPS) will convert solar energy into electric energy and distribute the same using an 'all dc', Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) System. Power conditioning devices (dc to dc converters) are needed to interconnect parts of this system operating at different nominal voltage levels. Operation of such devices could generate under damped oscillations (instability) under certain conditions. Criteria for instability are examined and verified for a single device. Suggested extension of the criteria to a system operation is examined by using the EMTP model of the PMAD dc test bed. Wherever possible, data from the test bed is compared with the modeling results.
Description of the PMAD DC test bed architecture and integration sequence
NASA-Lewis is responsible for the development, fabrication, and assembly of the electric power system (EPS) for the Space Station Freedom (SSF). The SSF power system is radically different from previous spacecraft power systems in both the size and complexity of the system. Unlike past spacecraft power system the SSF EPS will grow and be maintained on orbit and must be flexible to meet changing user power needs. The SSF power system is also unique in comparison with terrestrial power systems because it is dominated by power electronic converters which regulate and control the power. Although spacecraft historically have used power converters for regulation they typically involved only a single series regulating element. The SSF EPS involves multiple regulating elements, two or more in series, prior to the load. These unique system features required the construction of a testbed which would allow the development of spacecraft power system technology. A description is provided of the Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) DC Testbed which was assembled to support the design and early evaluation of the SSF EPS. A description of the integration process used in the assembly sequence is also given along with a description of the support facility.