Resonant Power Processing Unit for Low Power Hall-Effect Thrusters

In a Hall-effect thruster power processing unit, the most demanding design challenge is the discharge power supply, which processes up to 95% of the total power. Heritage NASA designs for discharge supplies are difficult to scale down to meet efficiency targets within the volume and mass constraints of small spacecraft. The objective of this project will be to produce a resonant discharge power supply breadboard with a switching frequency beyond 100kHz for lower mass and volume, while maintaining a power conversion efficiency of ≥93% at an output power of 1kW.

Resonant power conversion will enable power processing units for Hall-effect thruster strings to be smaller, lighter, and have higher power conversion efficiency. Smaller, more efficient power processing units will enable more small spacecraft to be outfitted with electric propulsion for enhanced mission capabilities.

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