With the rising demand for satellite communications, the use of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites is increasing.
MPPT control is more suitable for LEO satellites with relatively short solar cycles and low weight margins. However, there is a tendency to unconditionally use MPPT control regardless of the mission and orbit conditions of LEO satellites, from the existing experiences.
Therefore, it is important to reduce the peak value of battery charging current by reducing the mass of SAR and applying MPPT control according to mission and orbit conditions. It is also necessary to study simple charge control techniques suitable for SAR, including the method of increasing efficiency based on simple switch signal control.
Ho Kum Song, a researcher at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, proposed new direct charging control suitable for power systems applicable to lightweight, high-reliability LEO satellites, thus reducing manufacturing cost and increasing efficiency.
The simulation results show that the proposed SAR with direct energy transfer (DET) and constant voltage (CV) control is not significantly affected by environmental conditions and it is more suitable for space environment than conventional SAR.
If more information is needed, please refer to his paper “High-Efficiency Operation of Power Controllers using Solar Plate in Low Earth Orbit Satellites” in “Proceedings of KUTIC-2025”.