LUNAR NIGHT PCDU - EXPRO+

Objective: To develop and implement a "hibernation mode" function for PCDUs reducing the current sunk from the battery and implement a "low power consumption mode".Description: Power control and distribution unit (PCDU) is always connected to a battery and energy sources (e.g. solar panel) in order to keep the power bus available at all conditions. Because of this, there is always a non-negligible PCDU internal consumption from the batteries. However, there are some very specific cases where the power should be reduced to a minimum in a controlled manner (e.g. to survive long lunar nights with a limited energy stored on the batteries). This activityaims to develop a PCDU hibernation mode, so that the PCDU can enter into an extremely low consumption mode (e.g. below 7.5mA) in a reliable manner and can come back to nominal operations after a command is sent or via a watchdog signal. In addition to the hibernation mode, this activity develops a "low power consumption control" mode, where the loads to be supplied during low energy consumption mode are to be identified and supplied according to the needs and the energy available (e.g. heaters for lunar night survival). Implementation of hibernation mode for PCDUs is targeted to include the aspects such as i.e. wake-up mechanism, watchdogs, low stand-by consumption technologies. Meanwhile, "low power consumption mode" entails the development of control algorithms and low consumption hardware to provide power to dedicated loads according to the energy available. The activity encompasses the following tasks: - Consolidation of the preliminary requirements of the low power consumption and hibernation modes taking into account future exploration missions needs. - Trade-off potential designs (best topologies, control logic, switching devices...) and select a baseline. - Design of the baseline, including the design analysis - Prototype manufacturing - Testing of the prototype - Analyze test results, identify deviations and implement corrections if any on the prototype.Deliverables: Breadboard, ReportProcurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restricted to non-prime contractors (incl. SMEs). For additional information please go to:http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Business_with_ESA/Small_and_Medium_Sized_Enterprises/Opportunities_for_SMEs/Procurement_policy_on_fair_access_for_SMEs_-_the_C1-C4_Clauses