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Showing papers on "Power module published in 1968"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a power converter for the Sunblazer satellite that adjusts its input impedance to a value equal to the output impedance determined by the operating power characteristic of the solar cells.
Abstract: The voltage-current characteristic of solar cells that provide power for a spacecraft can vary over a wide range. For maximum power transfer from the solar cells to the battery system a power converter has to be designed that adjusts its input impedance to a value equal to the output impedance determined by the operating power characteristic of the solar cells. This paper discusses a circuit and calculations for a design to match this condition. The proposed power converter is simple, lightweight, and reliable and will be used in the Sunblazer satellite.

83 citations


Patent
Warren H Wright1, John J. Biess1
03 Oct 1968
TL;DR: In this article, a regulated electric power system having load and return bus lines is provided, where a plurality of solar cells interconnected in power supplying relationship and having a power shunt tap point electrically spaced from the bus lines are provided.
Abstract: A regulated electric power system having load and return bus lines. A plurality of solar cells interconnected in power supplying relationship and having a power shunt tap point electrically spaced from the bus lines is provided. A power dissipator is connected to the shunt tap point and provides for a controllable dissipation of excess energy supplied by the solar cells. A dissipation driver is coupled to the power dissipator and controls its conductance and dissipation and is also connected to the solar cells in a power taping relationship to derive operating power therefrom. An error signal generator is coupled to the load bus and to a reference signal generator to provide an error output signal which is representative of the difference between the electric parameters existing at the load bus and the reference signal generator. An error amplifier is coupled to the error signal generator and the dissipation driver to provide the driver with controlling signals.

22 citations



01 Nov 1968
TL;DR: In this paper, a semi-annual report on techniques and circuitry based on the use of two-state modulation systems, directed toward development of improved advanced power conditioning equipment is presented.
Abstract: : This is the fourth semi-annual report on an investigation of techniques and circuitry based on the use of two-state modulation systems, directed toward development of improved advanced power conditioning equipment. Improvements are sought with respect to smaller, lighter weight, more efficient and highly reliable power processing systems. During this reporting period, two experimental power processors were designed, constructed, and tested.

7 citations




Proceedings ArticleDOI
20 May 1968
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess the present status of solid-state microwave power generation and look into the future, and point out certain special problems to be solved and present new circuit concepts which appear promising.
Abstract: Rapid strides are now being made in solid-state microwave power generation, With the recent introduction of negative-resistance avalanche junction diodes and gallium arsenide bulk-effect devices, a new impetus was given to research. This paper is an attempt to assess the present status of these devices and to look into the future. Solid-state devices are already displacing vacuum tubes for low power system functions, including transmitters for line-of sight communication links. What are the possibilities that they can also replace high power microwave tubes? Here, we attempt to assess the probability of success and to foresee some of the directions which such research may take. We point out certain special problems to be solved and present new circuit concepts which appear promising at this time.

4 citations


15 Oct 1968
TL;DR: In this paper, a large-area photovoltaic solar array for primary electrical power, a hibernating Ag/Zn battery subsystem for energy storage, and power conditioning equipment for conversion and distribution of power to spacecraft loads is proposed.
Abstract: The design concept includes a large-area photovoltaic solar array for primary electrical power, a hibernating Ag/Zn battery subsystem for energy storage, and power conditioning equipment for conversion and distribution of power to spacecraft loads.

2 citations


01 Jan 1968
TL;DR: A submitted manuscript is the version of the article upon submission and before peer-review as discussed by the authors, while a published version is the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.
Abstract: • A submitted manuscript is the version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.

2 citations


Journal ArticleDOI

2 citations



01 Jan 1968
TL;DR: In this paper, a dc-to-dc converter requires negligible standby power for the operation of critical electronic equipment, and the main operating circuitry consumes power intermittently according to load conditions, rather than constantly.
Abstract: A regulated dc-to-dc converter requires negligible standby power for the operation of critical electronic equipment. The main operating circuitry consumes power intermittently according to load conditions, rather than constantly.


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper reviews the application of large converter equipment, starting with the first major unit installed in the United States at Alcoa's Badin Works in North Carolina, and traces operations to the present.
Abstract: As one of the largest users of power converter equipment in the world, Alcoa has had a profound interest in the development of the semiconductor power converter. This paper reviews the application of large converter equipment, starting with the first major unit installed in the United States at Alcoa's Badin Works in North Carolina, and traces operations to the present. Advantages of the silicon equipment as compared with other methods of power conversion, as well as some of the engineering problems encountered, are described from the user's viewpoint.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present an adaptation of the guyed towers, characterized by low weight and cost, the design of which, in 110-, 220-, and 400-kV lines, is continuously developed.
Abstract: Water power sources in Finland which produce more than half the electrical energy are situated far from the consumption areas, thus necessitating the construction of a long-distance transmission system. Thermal power, which is rapidly gaining in importance and creates new versatility, does not change these conditions. As the economics of transmission system construction depends largely on the cost of lines, special attention was given to line design research and to system operation. This resulted, at an early stage, in adaptation of the guyed towers, characterized by low weight and cost, the design of which, in 110-, 220-, and 400-kV lines, is continuously developed. Switching stations have been simplified, shunt reactors and series capacitors installed, and remote control of voltage at power stations adopted. The economy of generation and transmission is increased by programmed regulation of water storage. Operation experiences are good and statistics display a low number of disturbances.

15 Jul 1968
TL;DR: In this article, a 20 cm-diam thruster was operated over a 2:1 range of output power, allowing for continuous matching of thruster power to a varying solar cell output level.
Abstract: A 20-cm-diam thruster was operated over a 2:1 range of output power, allowing for continuous matching of thruster power to a varying solar cell output level. The technique of matching power by varying either the ion beam current or the net accelerating voltage is described. Ion beam current control, implemented in thruster control loops, utilized existing laboratory hardware. Stable thruster operation was achieved over a range of 1000 to 2000 W. Bistable values of mercury propellant flow at the same discharge chamber and ion beam conditions were also observed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a pulsed power supply was developed for powering electroluminescent lamps at frequencies up to 5 kHz, and a distribution system for driving 90 or more lamps simultaneously and a programmed data-lamp array utilizing this power supply were described.
Abstract: A pulsed power supply has been developed which is suitable for powering electroluminescent lamps at frequencies up to 5 kHz. A distribution system for driving 90 or more lamps simultaneously and a programmed data-lamp array utilizing this power supply are also described.