The power system trade off of the multimedia constellation satellite for the Skybridge Missions. Trade off study using the PowerCap software

Abstract

This paper describes how the selection of the Skybridge power system, a constellation programme for multimedia services, has been conducted using the PowerCap software. The trade off has involved 3 platform topologies (regulated, unregulated and hybrid bus) and 2 payload topologies (centralised and decentralised). The topologies are described in a first part and the quantitative optimisation criteria which have led to the selection of the right topology are detailed in a second step. The PowerCap software, capable of simulating the long term performances as well as the transient behaviour of these complex electrical networks, is then presented associated to power system predictable in-flight results.