Design and implementation of maximum power point tracking converter based on constant voltage method for use in nano-satellite power supply

Solar-powered generator is one of the critical parts in designing and manufacturing of the satellites. Achieving a high degree of reliability and maximum absorption in the Solar-powered generator are two key factors considered by designers.   In this paper, designing and manufacturing different components of a charging part of a nano-satellite have been evaluated by considering environmental constraints.  Simplicity and high degree of reliability are the main aspects of the proposed method that lead to maximum amount of power absorption. The innovation of this paper is detecting the optimal operating point of the solar panel based on the measurement of the solar cell temperature. In addition, an I2C communication protocol has been implemented between PMU and C&DH in order to simultaneously monitor of voltage and current of various points and receiving controlling orders from the stations on earth.  After designing and simulating of the controller of the charging part of the satellite, various necessary components for building of each subsystem have been prepared. In the next step, prototype of the charging circuit board was built and tested.  According to the test results, necessary modifications were implemented on the final circuit board.  Finally, the last version of the PMU circuit board was designed and built. Utilizing the boost synchronous converter, the efficiency of the converter section is improved up to 95%.