Autonomous Power Controller for Mission Critical Microgrids

The most immediate NASA applications for this technology is NASA's Exploration Augmentation Module (EAM) system. PCKA's existing Simulink model of this system will form the testbed used to demonstrate the capabilities of the APC. The International Space Station power system is similar in nature, a dc system based on solar arrays and battery energy storage, so it is also a potential application for the technology. The APC will also have potential applications in aircraft electrical propulsions systems, wherein the electrical system is mission-critical. NASA's CAS and NEAT programs are examples of such systems. PCKA also has existing models of these systems to facilitate future application of the APC.

While the proposed effort is focused on spacecraft power systems, other types of power systems could take advantage of the control technology. The underlying control architecture can be applied to essentially any type of microgrid power system. Terrestrial microgrids do not suffer the same communication latency as deep-space systems; however, autonomous control of these systems would greatly improve performance through optimal operating point identification and automated reconfiguration in response to faults or disturbances. It should be noted that these systems can be either ac or dc in nature; however, the APC formulation can remain largely the same. Furthermore, the team's approach to development of the control using a simulation-based testbed allows efficient development, testing, and validation of the approach to a wide array of systems. More »