Miniaturized Power Processing Unit Study: A Cubesat Electric Propulsion Technology Enabler
Project Introduction
This study evaluates High Voltage Power Processing Unit (PPU) technology and driving requirements necessary to enable the Microfluidic Electric Propulsion technology research and development by NASA and university partners. This study provides an overview of the state of the art PPU technology with recommendations for technology demonstration projects and missions for NASA to pursue.
This study investigates the technical requirements and potential solutions for miniaturized High Voltage Power Processing Units with the objective of enabling Microfluidic Electric Propulsion (MEP) thrusters for cubesats and large missions.
For the long term evolvement of Electric Propulsion thrusters, Power Processing Units need to significantly reduce the mass, volume, and thermal properties. This will allow for usage of these thrusters from the micro down to pico-sized satellites, and enable long duration missions. Enabling the thruster technology will increase mission capabilities requiring orbital maneuvers including attitude control, spin, orbital inclination changes, de-orbiting, orbital transfers, swarm and formation flying.
The study focuses on the trade space to develop the Key Performance Requirements (KPRs) for the Power Processing Units and evaluates them against the current state of the art for technical feasibility. Topics investigated include:
- Mass
- Volume
- High Voltage parts evaluation
- Power Budget
- Output Power
- Number of control channels
- Modularity
- Scalability
- Operational modes
- Reliability
- Radiation Tolerance
- Power Efficiency
- Interfaces
- Cost
- Vendor Parts Availability
Anticipated Benefits
These missions will be proposed under the OCT’s programs: - Franklin and Edison Technology Development Program - Game Changing Technology Division (OCT/GCT) NASA Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Unique and Innovative Space Technology NNH11ZUA001K - Crosscutting Capability Demonstrations (OCT/CCD) NASA Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Technology Demonstration Missions (TDM) program NNM11ZDA001K
More »Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Ames Research Center
(ARC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Moffett Field, California |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Ames Research Center (ARC)
Responsible Program:
- Center Innovation Fund: ARC CIF
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Project Manager:
Principal Investigator:
Project Duration
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 4 |
| Current: | 4 |
| Estimated End: | 4 |
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX03 Aerospace Power and Energy Storage
- TX03.3 Power Management and Distribution
- TX03.3.3 Electrical Power Conversion and Regulation
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