Reliable Energy Conversion Power Systems for Space Flight

Abstract

Low-voltage converter-regulators provide the key to the utilization of new energy conversion power sources in future space applications. It is now possible to use transistor-converters to boost the low voltage level of thermionic, fuel cell, thermoelectric, and electro-chemical sources to a higher more useable regulated voltage. Improved low-voltage converter-regulators have efficiencies between 70 and 90%. This approach will allow the space power system designer to achieve higher reliability with single-cell sources coupled to low-voltage converter-regulators.