An analysis of space power system masses

Conference · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:6534110

Kenny, B H; Cull, R C; Kankam, M D

Various space electrical power system masses are analyzed with particular emphasis on the power management and distribution (PMAD) portion. The electrical power system (EPS) is divided into functional blocks: source, interconnection, storage, transmission, distribution, system control and load. The PMAD subsystem is defined as all the blocks between the source, storage and load, plus the power conditioning equipment required for the source, storage and load. The EPS mass of a wide range of spacecraft is then classified as source, storage or PMAD and tabulated in a database. The intent of the database is to serve as a reference source for PMAD masses of existing and in-design spacecraft. The PMAD masses in the database range from 40 kg/kW to 183 kg/kW across the spacecraft systems studied. Factors influencing the power system mass are identified. These include the total spacecraft power requirements, total amount of load capacity and physical size of the spacecraft. It is found that a new utility class of power systems, represented by Space Station Freedom, is evolving.

• Research Organization: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, OH (USA). Lewis Research Center
• OSTI ID: 6534110
• Report Number(s): N-90-25184; NASA-TM--103199; E--5597; NAS--1.15:103199; CONF-900801--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140500* -- Solar Energy Conversion
140700 -- Solar Thermal Power Systems
DEMAND FACTORS
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
MASS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SUPPLIES
POWER CONDITIONING CIRCUITS
POWER PLANTS
POWER SUPPLIES
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
SOLAR THERMAL POWER PLANTS
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
THERMAL POWER PLANTS