Abstract: The application discloses a compact, multiport converter for interfacing photovoltaic (PV) panels to an energy storage system of a CubeSat. The multiport converter includes a series of connected half-bridge modules, fed by PV panels, that supplies the energy storage system. Further, a control strategy allows the multiport converter to extract a maximum amount of solar power from PV panels under varying irradiation conditions. One example multiport converter includes a multiple-input multiple-output converter that achieves a smaller footprint by utilizing a single inductor for transferring energy. Some aspects also enhance a fault-tolerance capability of CubeSats using a new EPS architecture, for example, by providing independent converters for maximum power point tracking of PV panels. The fault-tolerance capabilities are further enhanced by a new power-down mode for generation and load-side converters.

Abstract: A charger includes a buck converter; and a converter connected to the buck converter. The converter is either a totem pole BL boost structure at the input side, a switched inductor Cuk converter at the output side, or a BL Zeta converter. The charger may be a type-I on-board EV charger or a type-II on-board EV charger.