Space Power Converter Selection Methodologies

During baseload power system conceptual design phases, common, flexible power conversion equipment must be identified, characterized, compared and selected to meet all pertinent requirements between various spacecraft sources, distribution networks and loads. The process used to perform the conceptual analyses must be structured to evaluate all known requirements and integrate them properly into the preliminary study format. This paper presents an evaluation process, as implemented in a 5-100 kW baseload space power system study, that provides an approach to matching and conceptually designing power converters to power system applications.