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EP0190961B1 - Direct current power supply with an adjustable operating point - Google Patents

Direct current power supply with an adjustable operating point Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0190961B1
EP0190961B1 EP86400124A EP86400124A EP0190961B1 EP 0190961 B1 EP0190961 B1 EP 0190961B1 EP 86400124 A EP86400124 A EP 86400124A EP 86400124 A EP86400124 A EP 86400124A EP 0190961 B1 EP0190961 B1 EP 0190961B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
power
voltage
solar generator
operating
output
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Expired
Application number
EP86400124A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0190961A1 (en
Inventor
Christian Rouzies
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Centre National dEtudes Spatiales CNES
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Centre National dEtudes Spatiales CNES
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05F—SYSTEMS FOR REGULATING ELECTRIC OR MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G05F1/00—Automatic systems in which deviations of an electric quantity from one or more predetermined values are detected at the output of the system and fed back to a device within the system to restore the detected quantity to its predetermined value or values, i.e. retroactive systems
    • G05F1/66—Regulating electric power
    • G05F1/67—Regulating electric power to the maximum power available from a generator, e.g. from solar cell
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S323/00—Electricity: power supply or regulation systems
    • Y10S323/906—Solar cell systems

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a direct current power supply with adjustable operating point of the type comprising, connected in parallel, a solar generator and a buffer storage assembly comprising a constant voltage element in series with a unidirectional conduction element or diode.
  • the payload In this type of power supply, it is most often desired to deliver to a payload CU a supply of electrical energy with constant power consumption.
  • the payload consists of a load proper connected in series to a pre-regulator constituted by a circuit known as "BUCK” or "BOOST" in English language.
  • This type of circuit essentially reactive, consumes practically no power in normal operation.
  • the consumption characteristic at constant power in the plane I, intensity delivered in the payload, V, supply voltage applied to the payload is a hyperbola represented in broken lines in FIG. 1.
  • the current characteristics I voltage V represented in this same plan for the solar generator 1, solid line, for the buffer battery 2 and diode D, mixed lines, make it possible to define a composite characteristic, points (1 for the solar generator set 1 buffer battery 2.
  • the supply of the constant power payload can thus be carried out at three operating points A, B, C intersection of the composite characteristic battery 2 solar generator 1 and the consumption hyperbola at constant power.
  • operating point B Due to the very nature of the BUCK circuits or BOOST and mainly the difference, in absolute value, of the slope of the composite characteristic, points (1) and the consumption hyperbola at constant power, operating point B is inherently unstable. Any variation in voltage and / or intensity if the system is positioned on operating point B has the effect of bringing the real operating point either to point A or to point C depending on the consumption hyperbola. Points A and C are by their nature stable in operation, the sign of the difference between the slopes of the consumption hyperbola and of the composite characteristic being opposite to that of point B.
  • the timing of the system at the operating point I A , VA is however not desirable, because, in this state, it appears that the current supplied by the battery is greater than the current supplied by the solar generator which results in regular discharge of the buffer battery, while the solar generator has the capacity to supply all of the power demanded at the operating point I c , V c alone .
  • Systems for regulating the voltage delivered by such systems can also be used in order to compensate for the inevitable variations or fluctuations in supply voltage due either to variations in the lighting conditions of the solar generator, or to variations in the parameters of internal or load resistance resulting in a variation or fluctuation of the corresponding operating point.
  • Such devices have been described in patent BE-A 853 124 in the name of the European Organization for Space Research. These current regulating devices in fact allow, by the subdivision of the solar generator into a plurality of elementary solar generators, a quantification of the power delivered to the load and a regulation of this power consumed between two successive quantization levels. This type of device, although satisfactory with regard to power regulation, does not however allow adjustment of the operating point of the system at one of the desired points and ultimately appears as voltage limiters.
  • the object of the present invention is to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks and relates to a direct current supply with an operating point current flow 1 adjustable supply voltage V.
  • the power supply comprises, connected in parallel, on the one hand a buffer storage assembly comprising a constant voltage element in series with a unidirectional conduction element and on the other hand a source of electrical energy.
  • This source is of the current generator type whose output characteristic 1 (V) has two points of intersection with a power consumption characteristic P of a payload assembly CU of the equilateral hyperbola type.
  • a temporary operating voltage raising system is furthermore provided connected in parallel to the payload.
  • the invention finds application in the space field for powering electronic circuits of artificial satellites as well as in the field of installations where the power consumed is substantially constant.
  • the DC power supply of the invention comprises a buffer storage assembly constituted by a constant voltage element 2 connected in series with a unidirectional conduction element D.
  • the constant voltage element 2 consists for example by a buffer battery and the unidirectional conduction element D by a diode.
  • the aforementioned buffer storage assembly is connected in parallel to an electric power source that 1 of the current generator type whose characteristic I (V) has two points of intersection, in nominal operation, with a power consumption characteristic P of a payload assembly CU of the equilateral hyperbola type
  • current generator is meant any continuous generator capable of supplying a payload CU with power supply according to a substantially rectangular or rectangular characteristic in the I, V plane, that is to say a generator operating according to a generator.
  • the solar generator can consist of a series of silicon cells capable of delivering electrical energy in the form of a direct voltage upon exposure to solar radiation.
  • the parallel connection between the solar generator 1 and the buffer battery 2 is carried out for example by means of a diode D as shown in FIG. 2.
  • the supply comprises, in addition connected in parallel to the solar generator 1, means temporary voltage boosters to adjust the operating point of the CU payload supply to the desired point.
  • the instantaneous power supplied in addition by the latter to the payload CU must be equal to or greater than in which VA is the system voltage applied to the payload CU when the operating point is set on the stable point A, Little is the power consumed by the payload CU, that is to say in fact the determining power P the equation of the equilateral hyperbola and I B the intensity corresponding to the unstable operating point B.
  • the two stable operating points are A and C, the point B being unstable. Due to the stability of point C, any system of this type brought to an operating point such as C remains locked on this operating point under normal conditions of use of the power supply.
  • the putting into operation of the voltage raising means 3 has the effect of sending a voltage, mixed lines, to the payload CU (2) in Figure 1, higher than that of the battery. Therefore, it is automatically disconnected by the diode D.
  • the initial characteristic (1) temporarily becomes the resulting composite characteristic (2).
  • this last composite feature (2) has at the point of orderly 1 8, a voltage V greater than the V ⁇ abscissa, it allows only one point of intersection I ⁇ stable as possible, V c with the constant power consumption hyperbola on which, after the voltage rise has disappeared, the operating point settles permanently.
  • the operating point of the power supply according to the invention then remains fixed at point C although the possible operating conditions at point A then reappear, at least potentially.
  • the voltage raising means 3 comprise a reactive element 30 connected in parallel to the buffer battery 2 by means of a control switch 31.
  • the Reactive element 30 can also be connected to an auxiliary battery independent of the buffer battery 2 in the case where an auxiliary battery is available, the supply of the lifting means 3 then being autonomous.
  • the voltage of the auxiliary battery can be chosen to be equal to 60 or 70 V for example.
  • the connection terminal common to the reactive element 30 and to the switch 31 is also connected to the output of the power supply by means of a diode 32.
  • the closing of the switch 31 has the effect of charging the reactive element 30 in reactive energy, the opening of the switch 31 having the effect of releasing the reactive energy thus stored in the reactive element 30 towards the outlet of the power supply which results in the temporary rise of voltage applied to the desired load.
  • the reactive element 30 consists of an induction coil and the control switch 31 consists of a transistor mounted as a common emitter and operating in saturated-blocked mode. To this end, a sufficient voltage pulse is generated on the base of the transistor 31 allowing the conduction state then non-conduction thereof.
  • the single pulse for controlling the transistor 31 and consequently the single pulse for temporarily raising the output voltage of the power supply by a command constituted by a succession of pulses applied to the base of transistor 31.
  • the succession of pulses may for example consist of a train of rectangular pulses with a recurrence frequency of 10 kHz for example.
  • a smoothing capacity 33 is furthermore provided mounted in parallel on the output of the power supply. This smoothing capacity has the effect of integrating the successive charges and discharges of the reactive element 30 during the duration of the train of pulses for controlling the transistor 31.
  • the average voltage thus developed across the capacitors 33 allows the elevation corresponding to the output voltage of the power supply at the aforementioned average level during the duration of the pulse train.
  • the duty cycle of the pulses defined as the ratio of the conduction time T to the total period T of the pulses is chosen to be greater than the ratio where V B represents the voltage of the operating point B, unstable, and V FD the voltage delivered by the buffer battery 2 at the end of the night period or at the end of the non-operation period of the current generator 1, the battery 2 being substantially discharged .
  • the control logic thus represented comprises a chain 41 for comparing the instantaneous power consumed by the payload CU with a reference power constituted by the maximum power capable of being delivered by the solar generator 1. It further comprises a chain 42 for comparing the operating temperature of the solar generator 1 to a reference temperature corresponding to the operation of the solar generator 1 under normal illumination.
  • the control logic also includes a comparison chain 43 for detecting the daytime operation of the solar generator, with respect to its nighttime state.
  • it comprises a chain 44 for comparing the operating conditions in discharge of the buffer battery 2 with respect to its operating state in non-discharge and an AND gate 45 receiving on each of its inputs the signals delivered by each of the comparison chains 41 to 44 and delivering a validation signal to the control oscillator of transistor T1.
  • the chain 41 for comparing the instantaneous power comprises intensity sensor means 410 delivering a signal representative of the instantaneous intensity 1 consumed by the payload CU.
  • Means 411 for measuring the voltage V applied to the payload CU further deliver a signal representative of this same voltage V.
  • Means 412 multipliers receive the signals delivered by the intensity sensor means 410 and by the measurement means voltage and deliver a signal representative of the instantaneous power consumed by the payload CU to means 413 threshold comparators.
  • the threshold comparator means 413 also receive on a second input a reference value constituting the maximum power threshold capable of being delivered by the solar generator 1 and deliver at the output of the power comparison chain 41 a conditional power signal .
  • the chain for comparing the operating temperature 42 of the solar generator 1 comprises a detector 420 of the effective operating temperature of the solar generator 1 delivering a signal representative of this temperature.
  • a threshold comparator 421 receives on a first input the signal delivered by the temperature sensor 420 and on a second input a temperature reference value. The comparator 421 delivers at the output of the temperature comparison chain a conditional temperature signal.
  • a comparison chain 43 for detecting the day / night operation of the solar generator 1 further comprises an intensity sensor 430 delivering a signal representative of the instantaneous intensity l Gs delivered by the solar generator 1.
  • a threshold comparator 431 receives on a first input the signal delivered by the intensity sensor and on a second input a reference value corresponding to the night operation of the solar generator 1. The comparator delivers at the output of the comparison chain 43 a conditional signal of day / night operation of the solar generator 1.
  • the chain 44 for comparing the operating state in the discharged / non-discharged state of the buffer battery itself comprises an intensity sensor 440 delivering a signal representative of the current delivered by the buffer battery 2.
  • a comparator 441 at threshold receives on a first input the signal delivered by the intensity sensor 440 and on a second input a current reference value corresponding to the non-discharge or the charging of the buffer battery 2.
  • the comparator 441 delivers at the output of the comparison chain 44 a conditional signal relating to the state of the charging or discharging the battery 2.
  • the intensity sensors 410, 430, 440 can be constituted by a resistance of low value crossed by the intensity to be measured, the voltage drop across these resistors being representative of said intensity.
  • the intensity sensors will be constituted by Hall effect sensors.
  • the sensor 440 can also be replaced by a measurement of the voltage, direct or reverse, of the diode D.
  • the multiplier circuit 412 can be constituted for example by any analog multiplier circuit available on the market.
  • the threshold comparators 413, 421, 431, 441 are constituted by differential amplifiers also commercially available.
  • the different references respectively applied to one of the terminals of these differential amplifiers can be obtained by means of a Zener diode for example, as shown in FIG. 4.
  • the Zener diode can be replaced by a connection of the input corresponding to the reference potential accompanied by a reaction on the output of the comparator. In this case, the state of discharge of the buffer battery 2 is simply compared to its state of non-discharge.
  • the device or power supply of the automated invention as shown in FIG. 4 appears particularly well suited to spatial use for the supply of electrical energy to the electronic circuits of artificial satellites.
  • this type of automation makes it possible to protect against operating faults due to particularly unfavorable operating conditions, at least temporarily, of the power supply.
  • the operating temperature of the assembly is likely to become very low, below - 20 ° C, with consequently the return of the satellite to a darkened area or when the satellite re-enters a normally lit area, the risk of a very significant modification of the current characteristic I voltage V of the single solar generator damaging to the whole.
  • the comparison chain 43 also makes it possible, the automatic triggering of the device of the invention by the presence of the conditional signal relating to the daytime and nighttime operation of the solar generator 1, the modification of the operating point for movement to the chosen operating point does not justifying that during the actual operation of the solar generator during its daytime operating phase.
  • the comparison chain 41 finally makes it possible to authorize the displacement at the operating point C only if the load requires a power lower than the maximum power which the solar generator 1 can supply.
  • FIG. 5 An example of operation of the device of the invention will now be given in connection with FIG. 5, in which a voltage limitation of the solar generator 1 is moreover carried out by means of a regulation system 46 such as for example described in the Belgian patent no. 853124 or possibly by more conventional type regulators, dissipative or non-dissipative.
  • a regulation system 46 such as for example described in the Belgian patent no. 853124 or possibly by more conventional type regulators, dissipative or non-dissipative.
  • the device of the invention can also be used according to the same operating principle, the variation of stable operating point now being on the vertical line of abscissa V Lo. It will be noted that in this case the automated solution no longer requires a chain d solar generator temperature acquisition. Indeed, the voltage supplied after the solar generator-regulator assembly is limited whatever the temperature.
  • a DC power supply has thus been described, particularly suitable for autonomous operation under particularly hostile operating conditions such as for example in the space domain. It goes without saying that this type of power supply can be used in any other technical field in which electrical energy is generated by means of photosensitive cells.
  • the automated embodiment can also be used in any field other than the spatial field, because of the only possible need for partial modification of the threshold values to be applied to the different comparators as a function of the envisaged application.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
  • Control Of Electrical Variables (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)

Description

L'invention est relative à une alimentation en courant continu à point de fonctionnement ajustable du type comportant, connectés en parallèle, un générateur solaire et un ensemble de stockage tampon comprenant un élément à tension constante en série avec un élément à conduction unidirectionnelle ou diode.The invention relates to a direct current power supply with adjustable operating point of the type comprising, connected in parallel, a solar generator and a buffer storage assembly comprising a constant voltage element in series with a unidirectional conduction element or diode.

Dans ce type d'alimentation, il est le plus souvent souhaité de délivrer à une charge utile CU une alimentation en énergie électrique à puissance consommée constante. Le plus souvent, la charge utile consiste en une charge proprement dite connectée en série à un pré-régulateur constitué par un circuit connu sous le nom de «BUCK» ou «BOOST» en langage anglo-saxon. Ce type de circuit, essentiellement réactif, ne consomme pratiquement pas de puissance en fonctionnement normal. La caractéristique de consommation à puissance constante dans le plan I, intensité débitée dans la charge utile, V, tension d'alimentation appliquée à la charge utile, est une hyperbole représentée en traits discontinus en figure 1. Les caractéristiques courant I tension V représentées dans ce même plan pour le générateur solaire 1, trait continu, pour la batterie tampon 2 et diode D, traits mixtes, permettent de définir une caractéristique composite, points (1 pour l'ensemble générateur solaire 1 batterie tampon 2. L'alimentation de la charge utile à puissance constante peut ainsi être effectuée en trois points de fonctionnement A, B, C intersection de la caractéristique composite batterie 2 générateur solaire 1 et de l'hyperbole de consommation à puissance constante. En raison de la nature même des circuits BUCK ou BOOST et principalement de la différence, en valeur absolue, de pente de la caractéristique composite, points (1) et de l'hyperbole de consommation à puissance constante, le point de fonctionnement B est par nature instable. Toute variation de tension etlou d'intensité en cas de position du système sur le point de fonctionnement B a pour effet de ramener le point de fonctionnement réel soit au point A, soit au point C suivant l'hyperbole de consommation. Les points A et C sont eux, par nature, à fonctionnement stable, le signe de la différence entre les pentes de l'hyperbole de consommation et de la caractéristique composite étant opposé à celui du point B.In this type of power supply, it is most often desired to deliver to a payload CU a supply of electrical energy with constant power consumption. Most often, the payload consists of a load proper connected in series to a pre-regulator constituted by a circuit known as "BUCK" or "BOOST" in English language. This type of circuit, essentially reactive, consumes practically no power in normal operation. The consumption characteristic at constant power in the plane I, intensity delivered in the payload, V, supply voltage applied to the payload, is a hyperbola represented in broken lines in FIG. 1. The current characteristics I voltage V represented in this same plan for the solar generator 1, solid line, for the buffer battery 2 and diode D, mixed lines, make it possible to define a composite characteristic, points (1 for the solar generator set 1 buffer battery 2. The supply of the constant power payload can thus be carried out at three operating points A, B, C intersection of the composite characteristic battery 2 solar generator 1 and the consumption hyperbola at constant power. Due to the very nature of the BUCK circuits or BOOST and mainly the difference, in absolute value, of the slope of the composite characteristic, points (1) and the consumption hyperbola at constant power, operating point B is inherently unstable. Any variation in voltage and / or intensity if the system is positioned on operating point B has the effect of bringing the real operating point either to point A or to point C depending on the consumption hyperbola. Points A and C are by their nature stable in operation, the sign of the difference between the slopes of the consumption hyperbola and of the composite characteristic being opposite to that of point B.

Le calage du système au point de fonctionnement IA, VA n'est cependant pas souhaitable, car, dans cet état, il apparaît que le courant fourni par la batterie est supérieur au courant fourni par le générateur solaire qui a pour conséquence la décharge régulière de la batterie tampon, alors que le générateur solaire à capacité à fournir seul au point de fonctionnement Ic, Vc toute la puissance appelée.The timing of the system at the operating point I A , VA is however not desirable, because, in this state, it appears that the current supplied by the battery is greater than the current supplied by the solar generator which results in regular discharge of the buffer battery, while the solar generator has the capacity to supply all of the power demanded at the operating point I c , V c alone .

Des systèmes de régulation de la tension délivrée par de tels systèmes peuvent en outre être utilisés en vue de palier les variations ou fluctuations inévitables de tension d'alimentation dues soit aux variations des conditions d'éclairement du générateur solaire, soit aux variations des paramètres de résistance interne ou de charge ayant pour conséquence une variation ou fluctuation du point de fonctionnement correspondant. De tels dispositifs ont été décrits dans le brevet BE-A 853 124 au nom de l'Organisation Européenne des Recherches Spatiales. Ces dispositifs régulateurs de courant permettent en fait, par la subdivision du générateur solaire en une pluralité de générateurs solaires élémentaires, une quantification de la puissance délivrée à la charge et une régulation de cette puissance consommée entre deux niveaux de quantification successifs. Ce type de dispositif bien que donnant satisfaction en ce qui concerne la régulation de puissance ne permet cependant pas un ajustage du point de fonctionnement du système en l'un des points désirés et apparaissent en définitive comme des limiteurs de tension.Systems for regulating the voltage delivered by such systems can also be used in order to compensate for the inevitable variations or fluctuations in supply voltage due either to variations in the lighting conditions of the solar generator, or to variations in the parameters of internal or load resistance resulting in a variation or fluctuation of the corresponding operating point. Such devices have been described in patent BE-A 853 124 in the name of the European Organization for Space Research. These current regulating devices in fact allow, by the subdivision of the solar generator into a plurality of elementary solar generators, a quantification of the power delivered to the load and a regulation of this power consumed between two successive quantization levels. This type of device, although satisfactory with regard to power regulation, does not however allow adjustment of the operating point of the system at one of the desired points and ultimately appears as voltage limiters.

La présente invention a pour but de remédier aux inconvénients précités et a pour objet une alimentation en courant continu à point de fonctionnement courant débit 1 tension d'alimentation V ajustable. L'alimentation comprend, connectés en parallèle, d'une part un ensemble de stockage tampon comprenant un élément à tension constante en série avec un élément à conduction unidirectionnelle et d'autre part une source d'énergie électrique. Cette source est du type générateur de courant dont la caractéristique de sortie 1 (V) présente deux points d'intersection avec une caractéristique de consommation puissance P d'un ensemble charge utile CU du type hyperbole équilatère. Un système élévateur de tension à fonctionnement temporaire est en outre prévu connecté en parallèle sur la charge utile.The object of the present invention is to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks and relates to a direct current supply with an operating point current flow 1 adjustable supply voltage V. The power supply comprises, connected in parallel, on the one hand a buffer storage assembly comprising a constant voltage element in series with a unidirectional conduction element and on the other hand a source of electrical energy. This source is of the current generator type whose output characteristic 1 (V) has two points of intersection with a power consumption characteristic P of a payload assembly CU of the equilateral hyperbola type. A temporary operating voltage raising system is furthermore provided connected in parallel to the payload.

L'invention trouve application dans le domaine spatial pour l'alimentation des circuits électroniques de satellites artificiels ainsi que dans le domaine des installations où la puissance consommée est sensiblement constante.The invention finds application in the space field for powering electronic circuits of artificial satellites as well as in the field of installations where the power consumed is substantially constant.

Elle sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description et à l'observation des dessins dans lesquels:

  • - la figure 1 représente une caractéristique courant I tension V de l'alimentation de l'invention,
  • - la figure 2 représente un schéma synoptique de l'alimentation de l'invention,
  • - la figure 3 représente un mode de réalisation d'un dispositif particulier de l'invention,
  • - la figure 4 représente une alimentation selon l'invention à fonctionnement automatisé en fonction des principaux paramètres d'environnement,
  • - la figure 5 représente une alimentation selon l'invention dans lequelle en outre, un système de limitation de tension est prévu.
It will be better understood on reading the description and on observing the drawings in which:
  • FIG. 1 represents a current characteristic I voltage V of the supply of the invention,
  • FIG. 2 represents a block diagram of the power supply of the invention,
  • FIG. 3 represents an embodiment of a particular device of the invention,
  • FIG. 4 represents a power supply according to the invention with automatic operation as a function of the main environmental parameters,
  • - Figure 5 shows a power supply according to the invention in which further, a voltage limitation system is provided.

Conformément à la figure 2, l'alimentation en courant continu de l'invention comporte un ensemble de stockage tampon constitué par un élément à tension constante 2 connecté en série avec un élément à conduction unidirectionnelle D. L'élément à tension constante 2 est constitué par exemple par une batterie tampon et l'élément à conduction unidirectionnelle D par une diode. L'ensemble de stockage tampon précité est connecté en parallèle sur une source d'énergie électrique 1 du type générateur de courant dont la caractéristique I (V) présente deux points d'intersection, en fonctionnement nominal, avec une caractéristique de consommation puissance P d'un ensemble charge utile CU du type hyperbole équilatère

Figure imgb0001
Par générateur de courant, on entend tout générateur continu capable de fournir à une charge utile CU une puissance d'alimentation selon une caractéristique sensiblement rectangulaire ou rectangulaire dans le plan I, V, c'est-à-dire un générateur fonctionnant selon un générateur d'intensité sur une première plage de tension donnée et comme un générateur de tension sur une deuxième plage de tension adjacente. Tout générateur de courant associé à son ensemble de stockage, tel que précédemment décrit, et muni en outre d'un limiteur de tension définissant un fonctionnement d'ensemble du type générateur de tension pur- caractéristique parallèle à l'axe des intensités sensiblement dans la deuxième plage de tension - appartient à la catégorie de générateurs précitée.In accordance with FIG. 2, the DC power supply of the invention comprises a buffer storage assembly constituted by a constant voltage element 2 connected in series with a unidirectional conduction element D. The constant voltage element 2 consists for example by a buffer battery and the unidirectional conduction element D by a diode. The aforementioned buffer storage assembly is connected in parallel to an electric power source that 1 of the current generator type whose characteristic I (V) has two points of intersection, in nominal operation, with a power consumption characteristic P of a payload assembly CU of the equilateral hyperbola type
Figure imgb0001
 By current generator is meant any continuous generator capable of supplying a payload CU with power supply according to a substantially rectangular or rectangular characteristic in the I, V plane, that is to say a generator operating according to a generator. intensity over a first given voltage range and as a voltage generator over a second adjacent voltage range. Any current generator associated with its storage assembly, as previously described, and further provided with a voltage limiter defining an overall operation of the pure-characteristic voltage generator type parallel to the axis of the intensities substantially in the second voltage range - belongs to the aforementioned category of generators.

Le générateur solaire peut consister en une série de cellules au silicium capable de délivrer de l'énergie électrique sous forme d'une tension continue à l'exposition au rayonnement solaire. La connexion en parallèle entre le générateur solaire 1 et la batterie tampon 2 est effectuée par exemple au moyen d'une diode D telle que représentée sur la figure 2. L'alimentation comporte, en outre connectée en parallèle sur le générateur solaire 1 des moyens élévateurs temporaires de tension permettant d'ajuster le point de fonctionnement de l'alimentation de la charge utile CU au point désiré.The solar generator can consist of a series of silicon cells capable of delivering electrical energy in the form of a direct voltage upon exposure to solar radiation. The parallel connection between the solar generator 1 and the buffer battery 2 is carried out for example by means of a diode D as shown in FIG. 2. The supply comprises, in addition connected in parallel to the solar generator 1, means temporary voltage boosters to adjust the operating point of the CU payload supply to the desired point.

En référence à la figure 1, tout calage intempestif du point de fonctionnement d'alimentation de la charge utile CU au point B puis au point A, le point A étant indésirable pour les raisons indiquées précédemment, peut être ramené au point de fonctionnement C par seule élévation temporaire de la tension effectivement appliquée à la charge utile à l'aide des moyens 3. On comprendra, en raison du caractère d'instabilité de la zone de fonctionnement B-C sur l'hyperbole de consommation, que l'amplitude d'élévation de tension nécessaire pour amener le point de fonctionnement du point A au point C doit être supérieure à la valeur Va-VA. En outre, afin d'assurer un fonctionnement normal des moyens élévateurs 3 précités, la puissance instantanée fournie en supplément par ces derniers à la charge utile CU doit être égale ou supérieure à

Figure imgb0002
dans laquelle VA est la tension du système appliqué à la charge utile CU lorsque le point de fonctionnement est calé sur le point stable A, Peu est la puissance consommée par la charge utile CU, c'est-à dire en fait la puissance P déterminant l'équation de l'hyperbole équilatère et IB l'intensité correspondant au point de fonctionnement instable B. Lorsque le dispositif élévateur de tension 3 ne fonctionne pas, les deux points de fonctionnement stables sont A et C, le point B étant instable. En raison du caractère de stabilité du point C, tout système de ce type amené en un point de fonctionnement tel que C reste calé sur ce point de fonctionnement dans les conditions normales d'utilisation de l'alimentation. Dans le cas où l'alimentation n'est pas calée sur le point de fonctionnement C mais sur le point A, la mise en fonctionnement des moyens élévateurs de tension 3 a pour effet d'envoyer sur la charge utile CU une tension, traits mixtes (2) sur la figure 1, supérieure à celle de la batterie. De ce fait, celle-ci se trouve automatiquement déconnectée par la diode D. La caractéristique initiale (1) devient temporairement la caractéristique composite résultante (2).With reference to FIG. 1, any untimely setting of the operating point of supply of the payload CU at point B then at point A, point A being undesirable for the reasons indicated above, can be brought back to operating point C by only temporary increase in the voltage actually applied to the payload using the means 3. It will be understood, due to the instability of the operating zone BC on the consumption hyperbola, that the amplitude of elevation voltage required to bring the operating point from point A to point C must be greater than the Va-VA value. In addition, in order to ensure normal operation of the aforementioned lifting means 3, the instantaneous power supplied in addition by the latter to the payload CU must be equal to or greater than
Figure imgb0002
 in which VA is the system voltage applied to the payload CU when the operating point is set on the stable point A, Little is the power consumed by the payload CU, that is to say in fact the determining power P the equation of the equilateral hyperbola and I B the intensity corresponding to the unstable operating point B. When the voltage raising device 3 does not work, the two stable operating points are A and C, the point B being unstable. Due to the stability of point C, any system of this type brought to an operating point such as C remains locked on this operating point under normal conditions of use of the power supply. In the case where the power supply is not set on the operating point C but on the point A, the putting into operation of the voltage raising means 3 has the effect of sending a voltage, mixed lines, to the payload CU (2) in Figure 1, higher than that of the battery. Therefore, it is automatically disconnected by the diode D. The initial characteristic (1) temporarily becomes the resulting composite characteristic (2).

A condition que cette dernière caractéristique composite (2) présente au point d'ordonnée 18, une tension V supérieure à l'abscisse Vε, elle n'autorise qu'un seul point d'intersection possible stable Iε, Vc avec l'hyperbole de consommation à puissance constante sur lequel, après disparition de l'élévation de tension, le point de fonctionnement se cale définitivement. Le point de fonctionnement de l'alimentation selon l'invention reste alors calé sur le point C bien que réapparaissent alors, au moins potentiellement, les conditions possibles de fonctionnement au point A.Provided that this last composite feature (2) has at the point of orderly 1 8, a voltage V greater than the Vε abscissa, it allows only one point of intersection Iε stable as possible, V c with the constant power consumption hyperbola on which, after the voltage rise has disappeared, the operating point settles permanently. The operating point of the power supply according to the invention then remains fixed at point C although the possible operating conditions at point A then reappear, at least potentially.

Ainsi qu'il apparaît représenté en figure 3, de manière non limitative, les moyens élévateurs de tension 3 comportent un élément réactif 30 connecté en parallèle sur la batterie tampon 2 par l'intermédiaire d'un interrupteur de commande 31. Bien entendu, l'élément réactif 30 peut également être connecté à une batterie auxiliaire indépendante de la batterie tampon 2 dans le cas où une batterie auxiliaire est disponible, l'alimentation des moyens élévateurs 3 étant alors autonome. La tension de la batterie auxiliaire peut être choisie égale à 60 ou 70 V par exemple. La borne de connexion commune à l'élément réactif 30 et à l'interrupteur 31 est en outre reliée à la sortie de l'alimentation par l'intermédiaire d'une diode 32. La fermeture de l'interrupteur 31 a pour effet de charger l'élément réactif 30 en énergie réactive, l'ouverture de l'interrupteur 31 ayant pour effet de libérer l'énergie réactive ainsi emmagasinée dans l'élément réactif 30 vers la sortie de l'alimentation ce qui a pour conséquence l'élévation temporaire de tension appliquée à la charge souhaitée. A titre d'exemple, l'élément réactif 30 est constitué par une bobine d'induction et l'interrupteur de commande 31 est constitué par un transistor monté en émetteur commun et fonctionnant en régime saturé- bloqué. A cet effet, une impulsion de tension suffisante est engendrée sur la base du transistor 31 permettant la mise en état de conduction puis de non conduction de celui-ci.As shown in FIG. 3, in a nonlimiting manner, the voltage raising means 3 comprise a reactive element 30 connected in parallel to the buffer battery 2 by means of a control switch 31. Of course, the Reactive element 30 can also be connected to an auxiliary battery independent of the buffer battery 2 in the case where an auxiliary battery is available, the supply of the lifting means 3 then being autonomous. The voltage of the auxiliary battery can be chosen to be equal to 60 or 70 V for example. The connection terminal common to the reactive element 30 and to the switch 31 is also connected to the output of the power supply by means of a diode 32. The closing of the switch 31 has the effect of charging the reactive element 30 in reactive energy, the opening of the switch 31 having the effect of releasing the reactive energy thus stored in the reactive element 30 towards the outlet of the power supply which results in the temporary rise of voltage applied to the desired load. By way of example, the reactive element 30 consists of an induction coil and the control switch 31 consists of a transistor mounted as a common emitter and operating in saturated-blocked mode. To this end, a sufficient voltage pulse is generated on the base of the transistor 31 allowing the conduction state then non-conduction thereof.

Afin d'obtenir un meilleur fonctionnement des moyens élévateurs temporaires précédemment décrits, il est en outre possible de remplacer l'impulsion unique de commande du transistor 31 et en conséquence l'unique impulsion d'élévation temporaire de la tension de sortie de l'alimentation par une commande constituée par une succession d'impulsions appliquées à la base du transistor 31. La succession d'impulsions peut par exemple consister en un train d'impulsions rectangulaires de fréquence de récurrence 10 kHz par exemple. Dans ce cas, une capacité de lissage 33 est en outre prévue montée en parallèle sur la sortie de l'alimentation. Cette capacité de lissage a pour effet une intégration des charges et des décharges successives de l'élément réactif 30 pendant la durée du train d'impulsions de commande du transistor 31. La tension moyenne ainsi développée aux bornes de la capacité 33 permet l'élévation correspondante de la tension de sortie de l'alimentation au niveau moyen précédemment cité pendant la durée du train d'impulsions. Le rapport cyclique des impulsions défini comme le rapport du temps de conduction T à la période totale T des impulsions est choisi supérieur au rapport

Figure imgb0003
où VB représente la tension du point de fonctionnement B, instable, et VFD la tension délivrée par la batterie tampon 2 en fin de période nocturne ou en fin de période de non fonctionnement du générateur de courant 1, la batterie 2 étant déchargée sensiblement.In order to obtain a better functioning of the temporary lifting means previously described, it is also possible to replace the single pulse for controlling the transistor 31 and consequently the single pulse for temporarily raising the output voltage of the power supply by a command constituted by a succession of pulses applied to the base of transistor 31. The succession of pulses may for example consist of a train of rectangular pulses with a recurrence frequency of 10 kHz for example. In this case, a smoothing capacity 33 is furthermore provided mounted in parallel on the output of the power supply. This smoothing capacity has the effect of integrating the successive charges and discharges of the reactive element 30 during the duration of the train of pulses for controlling the transistor 31. The average voltage thus developed across the capacitors 33 allows the elevation corresponding to the output voltage of the power supply at the aforementioned average level during the duration of the pulse train. The duty cycle of the pulses defined as the ratio of the conduction time T to the total period T of the pulses is chosen to be greater than the ratio
Figure imgb0003
 where V B represents the voltage of the operating point B, unstable, and V FD the voltage delivered by the buffer battery 2 at the end of the night period or at the end of the non-operation period of the current generator 1, the battery 2 being substantially discharged .

Une alimentation à fonctionnement automatisé en fonction des principaux paramètres d'environnement de l'alimentation sera maintenant décrite en liaison avec la figure 4. Dans la figure 4, les mêmes références représentent les mêmes éléments que dans les figures précédentes. En outre, les impulsions récurrentes de commande du transistor 31 sont délivrées par un oscillateur 40 commandé par une logique de commande condi- tionnelle relativement à:

  • - la puissance instantanée consommée par la charge utile CU,
  • - les conditions de fonctionnement en température ou générateur de courant 1,
  • - les conditions de détection du fonctionnement effectif diurne/nocturne du générateur de courant 1,
  • - les conditions de fonctionnement de la batterie tampon 2.
A power supply with automatic operation as a function of the main environment parameters of the power supply will now be described in conjunction with FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the same references represent the same elements as in the preceding figures. In addition, the recurrent control pulses of the transistor 31 are delivered by an oscillator 40 controlled by a conditional control logic with respect to:
  • - the instantaneous power consumed by the payload CU,
  • - the operating conditions in temperature or current generator 1,
  • - the conditions for detecting the effective day / night operation of the current generator 1,
  • - the operating conditions of the buffer battery 2.

La logique de commande ainsi représentée comprend une chaîne 41 de comparaison de la puissance instantanée consommée par la charge utile CU à une puissance de référence constituée par la puissance maximale susceptible d'être délivrée par le générateur solaire 1. Elle comprend en outre une chaîne 42 de comparaison de la température de fonctionnement du générateur solaire 1 à une température de référence correspondant au fonctionnement du générateur solaire 1 sous illumination normale. La logique de commande comprend également une chaîne 43 de comparaison pour la détection du fonctionnement diurne du générateur solaire, par rapport à son état nocturne. Elle comprend enfin une chaîne 44 de comparaison des conditions de fonctionnement en décharge de la batterie tampon 2 par rapport à son état de fonctionnement en non décharge et une porte ET 45 recevant sur chacune de ses entrées les signaux délivrés par chacune des chaînes de comparaison 41 à 44 et délivrant un signal de validation à l'oscillateur de commande du transistor T1.The control logic thus represented comprises a chain 41 for comparing the instantaneous power consumed by the payload CU with a reference power constituted by the maximum power capable of being delivered by the solar generator 1. It further comprises a chain 42 for comparing the operating temperature of the solar generator 1 to a reference temperature corresponding to the operation of the solar generator 1 under normal illumination. The control logic also includes a comparison chain 43 for detecting the daytime operation of the solar generator, with respect to its nighttime state. Finally, it comprises a chain 44 for comparing the operating conditions in discharge of the buffer battery 2 with respect to its operating state in non-discharge and an AND gate 45 receiving on each of its inputs the signals delivered by each of the comparison chains 41 to 44 and delivering a validation signal to the control oscillator of transistor T1.

Ainsi qu'il apparaît en figure 4, la chaîne 41 de comparaison de la puissance instantanée comprend des moyens capteurs d'intensité 410 délivrant un signal représentatif de l'intensité instantanée 1 consommée par la charge utile CU. Des moyens 411 de mesure de la tension V appliqués à la charge utile CU délivrent en outre un signal représentatif de cette même tension V. Des moyens 412 multiplicateurs reçoivent les signaux délivrés par les moyens capteurs d'intensité 410 et par les moyens de mesure de tension et délivrent un signal représentatif de la puissance instantanée consommée par la charge utile CU à des moyens 413 comparateurs à seuil. Les moyens comparateurs à seuil 413 reçoivent en outre sur une deuxième entrée une valeur de référence constituant le seuil de puissance maximale susceptible d'être délivrée par le générateur solaire 1 et délivrent en sortie de la chaîne de comparaison de puissance 41 un signal conditionnel de puissance.As it appears in FIG. 4, the chain 41 for comparing the instantaneous power comprises intensity sensor means 410 delivering a signal representative of the instantaneous intensity 1 consumed by the payload CU. Means 411 for measuring the voltage V applied to the payload CU further deliver a signal representative of this same voltage V. Means 412 multipliers receive the signals delivered by the intensity sensor means 410 and by the measurement means voltage and deliver a signal representative of the instantaneous power consumed by the payload CU to means 413 threshold comparators. The threshold comparator means 413 also receive on a second input a reference value constituting the maximum power threshold capable of being delivered by the solar generator 1 and deliver at the output of the power comparison chain 41 a conditional power signal .

De même, la chaîne de comparaison de la température de fonctionnement 42 du générateur solaire 1 comporte un détecteur 420 de température de fonctionnement effectif du générateur solaire 1 délivrant un signal représentatif de cette température. Un comparateur 421 à seuil reçoit sur une première entrée le signal délivré par le capteur de température 420 et sur une deuxième entrée une valeur de référence de température. Le comparateur 421 délivre en sortie de la chaîne de comparaison de température un signal conditionnel de température.Likewise, the chain for comparing the operating temperature 42 of the solar generator 1 comprises a detector 420 of the effective operating temperature of the solar generator 1 delivering a signal representative of this temperature. A threshold comparator 421 receives on a first input the signal delivered by the temperature sensor 420 and on a second input a temperature reference value. The comparator 421 delivers at the output of the temperature comparison chain a conditional temperature signal.

Une chaîne 43 de comparaison pour la détection du fonctionnement diurne/nocturne du générateur solaire 1 comprend en outre un capteur d'intensité 430 délivrant un signal représentatif de l'intensité instantanée lGs délivrée par le générateur solaire 1. Un comparateur à seuil 431 reçoit sur une première entrée le signal délivré par le capteur d'intensité et sur une deuxième entrée une valeur de référence correspondant au fonctionnement nocturne du générateur solaire 1. Le comparateur délivre en sortie de la chaîne de comparaison 43 un signal conditionnel de fonctionnement diurne/nocturne du générateur solaire 1.A comparison chain 43 for detecting the day / night operation of the solar generator 1 further comprises an intensity sensor 430 delivering a signal representative of the instantaneous intensity l Gs delivered by the solar generator 1. A threshold comparator 431 receives on a first input the signal delivered by the intensity sensor and on a second input a reference value corresponding to the night operation of the solar generator 1. The comparator delivers at the output of the comparison chain 43 a conditional signal of day / night operation of the solar generator 1.

La chaîne 44 de comparaison de l'état de fonctionnement en état de décharge/non décharge de la batterie tampon comporte elle-même un capteur d'intensité 440 délivrant un signal représentatif du courant délivré par la batterie tampon 2. Un comparateur 441 à seuil reçoit sur une première entrée le signal délivré par le capteur d'intensité 440 et sur une deuxième entrée une valeur de référence d'intensité correspondant à la non décharge ou à la charge de la batterie tampon 2. Le comparateur 441 délivre en sortie de la chaîne de comparaison 44 un signal conditionnel relatif à l'état de la charge ou de la décharge de la batterie 2. Sur la figure 4, les capteurs d'intensité 410,430, 440 peuvent être constitués par une résistance de faible valeur traversée par l'intensité à mesurer, la chute de tension aux bornes de ces résistances étant représentative de ladite intensité. De préférence cependant, les capteurs d'intensité seront constitués par des capteurs à effet Hall. Le capteur 440 peut en outre être remplacé par une mesure de la tension, directe ou inverse, de la diode D. Le circuit multiplicateur 412 peut être constitué par exemple par tout circuit multiplicateur analogique disponible dans le commerce. Les comparateurs à seuil 413, 421, 431, 441 sont constitués par des amplificateurs différentiels également disponibles dans le commerce. Les différentes références respectivement appliquées à l'une des bornes de ces amplificateurs différentiels peuvent être obtenues au moyen d'une diode Zener par exemple, ainsi que représenté figure 4. Dans le cas du comparateur 441 cependant, la diode Zener peut être remplacée par une liaison de l'entrée correspondante au potentiel de référence accompagnée d'une réaction sur la sortie du comparateur. Dans ce cas, l'état de décharge de la batterie tampon 2 est simplement comparé à son état de non décharge.The chain 44 for comparing the operating state in the discharged / non-discharged state of the buffer battery itself comprises an intensity sensor 440 delivering a signal representative of the current delivered by the buffer battery 2. A comparator 441 at threshold receives on a first input the signal delivered by the intensity sensor 440 and on a second input a current reference value corresponding to the non-discharge or the charging of the buffer battery 2. The comparator 441 delivers at the output of the comparison chain 44 a conditional signal relating to the state of the charging or discharging the battery 2. In FIG. 4, the intensity sensors 410, 430, 440 can be constituted by a resistance of low value crossed by the intensity to be measured, the voltage drop across these resistors being representative of said intensity. Preferably, however, the intensity sensors will be constituted by Hall effect sensors. The sensor 440 can also be replaced by a measurement of the voltage, direct or reverse, of the diode D. The multiplier circuit 412 can be constituted for example by any analog multiplier circuit available on the market. The threshold comparators 413, 421, 431, 441 are constituted by differential amplifiers also commercially available. The different references respectively applied to one of the terminals of these differential amplifiers can be obtained by means of a Zener diode for example, as shown in FIG. 4. In the case of comparator 441, however, the Zener diode can be replaced by a connection of the input corresponding to the reference potential accompanied by a reaction on the output of the comparator. In this case, the state of discharge of the buffer battery 2 is simply compared to its state of non-discharge.

Le dispositif ou alimentation de l'invention automatisée tel que représenté figure 4, apparaît particulièrement bien adapté à une utilisation spatiale pour l'alimentation en énergie électrique des circuits électroniques de satellites artificiels. Dans ce cas, en raison de la quasi impossibilité d'intervention en cas de défaillance, ce type d'automatisation permet de se prémunir des défauts de fonctionnement dus aux conditions de fonctionnement particulièrement défavorables, au moins temporairement, de l'alimentation. En effet, lorsque le satellite et l'alimentation embarqués à bord de celui-ci subit un phénomène d'éclipse par exemple, la température de fonctionnement de l'ensemble est susceptible de devenir très basse, inférieure à - 20°C, avec lors du retour du satellite dans une zone de pénombre ou lors de la rentrée du satellite dans une zone normalement éclairée, le risque d'une modification très importante de la caractéristique courant I tension V du seul générateur solaire préjudiciable à l'ensemble. Cette modification en effet apparaît comme une très grande augmentation de la tension effectivement délivrée par les cellules solaires sous une intensité très peu modifiée ce qui a pour conséquence un risque très important de détérioration des circuits électroniques du satellite. Dans le cas précité, l'absence du signal conditionnel en sortie de la chaîne de comparaison 42 en raison de l'abaissement correspondant de température de fonctionnement a pour effet le blocage du fonctionnement du dispositif de l'invention et la protection des circuits en aval de l'alimentation par calage de l'alimentation sur le point de fonctionnement stable A.The device or power supply of the automated invention as shown in FIG. 4 appears particularly well suited to spatial use for the supply of electrical energy to the electronic circuits of artificial satellites. In this case, due to the near impossibility of intervention in the event of a failure, this type of automation makes it possible to protect against operating faults due to particularly unfavorable operating conditions, at least temporarily, of the power supply. Indeed, when the satellite and the power supply on board it undergoes an eclipse phenomenon for example, the operating temperature of the assembly is likely to become very low, below - 20 ° C, with consequently the return of the satellite to a darkened area or when the satellite re-enters a normally lit area, the risk of a very significant modification of the current characteristic I voltage V of the single solar generator damaging to the whole. This modification appears in fact to be a very large increase in the voltage actually delivered by the solar cells at a very little modified intensity which results in a very significant risk of deterioration of the electronic circuits of the satellite. In the aforementioned case, the absence of the conditional signal at the output of the comparison chain 42 due to the corresponding lowering of the operating temperature has the effect of blocking the operation of the device of the invention and protecting the downstream circuits of the power supply by setting the power supply to the stable operating point A.

La chaîne de comparaison 43 permet en outre, le déclenchement automatique du dispositif de l'invention par la présence du signal conditionnel relative au fonctionnement diurne'nocturne du générateur solaire 1, la modification du point de fonctionnement pour le déplacement au point de fonctionnement choisi ne se justifiant que lors du fonctionnement effectif du générateur solaire pendant sa phase de fonctionnement diurne.The comparison chain 43 also makes it possible, the automatic triggering of the device of the invention by the presence of the conditional signal relating to the daytime and nighttime operation of the solar generator 1, the modification of the operating point for movement to the chosen operating point does not justifying that during the actual operation of the solar generator during its daytime operating phase.

La chaîne de comparaison 41 permet enfin de n'autoriser le déplacement au point de fonctionnement C que si la charge exige une puissance inférieure à la puissance maximale que peut fournir le générateur solaire 1.The comparison chain 41 finally makes it possible to authorize the displacement at the operating point C only if the load requires a power lower than the maximum power which the solar generator 1 can supply.

Un exemple de fonctionnement du dispositif de l'invention sera maintenant donné en liaison avec la figure 5, dans laquelle une limitation en tension du générateur solaire 1 est de plus effectuée au moyen d'un système de régulation 46 tel que par exemple décrit dans le brevet belge no 853124 ou éventuellement par des régulateurs de type plus classiques, dissipatifs ou non dissipatifs. Ainsi qu'il apparaît en figure 5, la régulation lorsque celle-ci est effectuée, se traduit en fait par une modification de la caractéristique statique I(V) du générateur après le régulateur limiteur de tension. Cette caractéristique résultante de l'ensemble générateur solaire-régulateur apparaît donc tronquée au niveau de la tension de limitation VL en période diurne. Le dispositif de l'invention peut également être utilisé selon le même principe de fonctionnement, la variation de point de fonctionnement stable étant maintenant sur la droite verticale d'abscisse VLo On remarquera que dans ce cas la solution automatisé ne nécessite plus de chaîne d'acquisition température générateur solaire. En effet, la tension fournie après l'ensemble générateur solaire-régulateur est limitée quelle que la soit la température.An example of operation of the device of the invention will now be given in connection with FIG. 5, in which a voltage limitation of the solar generator 1 is moreover carried out by means of a regulation system 46 such as for example described in the Belgian patent no. 853124 or possibly by more conventional type regulators, dissipative or non-dissipative. As it appears in FIG. 5, the regulation when this is carried out, in fact results in a modification of the static characteristic I (V) of the generator after the voltage limiting regulator. This characteristic characteristic of the solar generator-regulator assembly therefore appears truncated at the level of the limiting voltage V L during the day period. The device of the invention can also be used according to the same operating principle, the variation of stable operating point now being on the vertical line of abscissa V Lo. It will be noted that in this case the automated solution no longer requires a chain d solar generator temperature acquisition. Indeed, the voltage supplied after the solar generator-regulator assembly is limited whatever the temperature.

On a ainsi décrit une alimentation en courant continu, particulièrement adaptée à un fonctionnement autonome dans des conditions de fonctionnement particulièrement hostiles telles que par exemple dans le domaine spatial. Il va de soie que ce type d'alimentation peut être utilisé dans tout autre domaine technique dans lequel de l'énergie électrique est engendrée au moyen de cellules photosensibles. Le mode de réalisation automatisé peut également être utilisé dans tout autre domaine que le domaine spatial, en raison de la seule nécessité éventuelle de modification partielle des valeurs de seuil à appliquer aux diffe- rents comparateurs en fonction de l'application envisagée.A DC power supply has thus been described, particularly suitable for autonomous operation under particularly hostile operating conditions such as for example in the space domain. It goes without saying that this type of power supply can be used in any other technical field in which electrical energy is generated by means of photosensitive cells. The automated embodiment can also be used in any field other than the spatial field, because of the only possible need for partial modification of the threshold values to be applied to the different comparators as a function of the envisaged application.

Claims (13)

1. Direct current power supply of which the output current (I)-output voltage (V) operating point is adjustable, comprising, connected in parallel, on the one hand a buffer storage assembly (2, D) comprising a constant voltage element (2) in series with a rectifier element (D) and on the other hand a source of electrical energy of the current generator type (1) of which the output characteristic I (V) has two points of intersection (B, C), with a characteristic of the equilateral hyperbola type I = Pv of the power consumption P of a power-consuming apparatus (CU) to be supplied, the composite output characteristic I (V) of the said parallel assembly (2, D; 1) having three points of intersection (A, B, C) with the said characteristic of the equilateral hyperbola type I = Pv of power consumption P of the said power-consuming apparatus (CU); one (B) of the said three points of intersection (A, B, C) being an unstable operating point, characterised in that the said supply comprises in addition temporarily operating voltage-boosting means (3) of which the output is connected in parallel with the power-consuming apparatus (CU).
2. Supply according to claim 1 characterised in that the source of electrical energy (1) is a photovoltaic solar generator, a voltage regulator (46) being provided in parallel with the generator assembly (1) and the buffer storage assembly (2, D) with the aim of limiting the resultant voltage delivered by the supply.
3. Supply according to one of the preceding claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the temporarily operating voltage-boosting means (3) is a pulse generator circuit red in an autonomous manner.
4. Supply according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the temporary voltage-boosting means (3) comprise a reactive element (30) fed from a battery through the intermediary of a control switch (31), the common connecting terminal between the reactive element and the switch being connected in addition to the output of the supply through the intermediary of a diode (32).
5. Supply according to claim 4, characterised in that the supply battery for the reactive element (30) is the constant voltage element (2) constituted by a buffer battery.
6. Supply according to one of claims 4 or 5 characterised in that the switch (31) is a transistor connected in common emitter mode and operating in a saturated-blocked (on/off) manner.
7. Supply according to claim 6, characterised in that, the base of the transistor (31) being controlled by a continuous train of pulses, a smoothing capacitor (33) is also provided, this capacitor being mounted in parallel with the output of the supply.
8. Supply according to claim 7 characterised in that the recurring control pulses for the transistor (31) are supplied by an oscillator (40) controlled by a conditional control logic (45) in accordance with:
- the instantaneous power consumption of the power-consuming apparatus (CU),
- the operating temperature conditions of the solar generator (1),
- the observed effective day-night operating conditions of the solar generator (1),
- the operating conditions of the buffer battery (2).
9. Supply according to claim 8, characterised in that the conditional control logic comprises
- a circuit (41) comparing the instantaneous power consumption of the power-consuming apparatus (CU) with a reference power constituted by the maximum power capable of being delivered by the solar generator (1)
- a circuit (42) comparing the operating temperature (OGS) of the solar generator (1) with a reference temperature corresponding to operation of the solar generator (1) under normal illumination;
- a comparison circuit (43) for detection of daylight operation of the solar generator in relation to its nocturnal state;
- a comparison circuit (44) for the operating condition of discharge of the buffer battery (2) in relation to its operating state when charged,
- an AND gate (45) receiving at each of its inputs the signals delivered by each of the comparison circuits (41, 42, 43, 44) and delivering a validating signal to the control oscillator (40) of the transistor (31).
10. Supply according to claim 9, characterised in that the circuit (41) for comparing the instantaneous power comprises:
- current pick-up means (410) delivering a signal representing the instantaneous current (I) consumed by the power-consuming apparatus (CU),
- means (411) for measuring the voltage (V) applied to the power-consuming apparatus (Cu), these last-mentioned means producing a signal representing the said voltage (V),
- mulitplying means (412) receiving the signals delivered by the current pick-up means (410) and by the voltage measuring means (411) and delivering a signal representing the instantaneous power consumption of the power-consuming apparatus (Cu),
- threshold comparator means (413) receiving at a first input the signal delivered by the multiplying means (412) and at a second input a reference value constituting the threshold of the maximum power capable of being delivered by the solar generator (1), the said comparator means (413) delivering at the output of the power comparison circuit (41) a signal dependent upon the power.
11. Supply according to claim 9, characterised in that the circuit (42) comparing the operating temperature (θGS) of the solar generator (1) comprises:
- a detector (420) of the effective operating temperature of the solar generator (1) delivering a signal proportional to this temperature (OGS),
- a threshold comparator (421) receiving at a first input the signal delivered by the temperature detector (420) and at a second input a temperature reference value, the said comparator (421) delivering at the output of the temperature comparison circuit (42) a signal dependent upon temperature.
12. Supply according to claim 9, characterised in that the comparison circuit (43) for detecting the day/night operation of the solar generator comprises:
- a current pick-up (430) delivering a signal representing the instantaneous current (lαε) delivered by the solar generator (1),
- a threshold comparator (431) receiving at a first input the signal delivered by the current pick-up (430) and at a second input a reference value corresponding to nocturnal operation of the solar generator (1), the said comparator (431) delivering at the output of the day/night operation comparison circuit (43) a signal dependent upon the day/ night operation of the solar generator (1).
13. Supply according to claim 9, characterised in that the circuit (44) comparing the state of operation in the discharge/charge state of the buffer battery (2) comprises:
- a current pick-up (440) delivering a signal representing the current output of the buffer battery (2),
- a threshold comparator (441) receiving at a first input the signal delivered by the said current pick-up (440) and at a second input a current reference value corresponding to the state of charge of the buffer battery (2), the said comparator (441) delivering at the output of the comparison circuit for the operating state on the state of discharge/charge (44) of the buffer battery (2) a signal dependent on the relative state of charge or discharge of the battery (2).
EP86400124A 1985-01-25 1986-01-22 Direct current power supply with an adjustable operating point Expired EP0190961B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8501062A FR2576722B1 (en) 1985-01-25 1985-01-25 DIRECT CURRENT SUPPLY WITH ADJUSTABLE OPERATING POINT
FR8501062 1985-01-25

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0190961A1 EP0190961A1 (en) 1986-08-13
EP0190961B1 true EP0190961B1 (en) 1989-03-22

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP86400124A Expired EP0190961B1 (en) 1985-01-25 1986-01-22 Direct current power supply with an adjustable operating point

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US (1) US4678983A (en)
EP (1) EP0190961B1 (en)
DE (1) DE3662570D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2576722B1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0190961A1 (en) 1986-08-13
US4678983A (en) 1987-07-07
FR2576722B1 (en) 1987-04-30
FR2576722A1 (en) 1986-08-01
DE3662570D1 (en) 1989-04-27

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