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Thrust Vector

The document discusses the power chain for thrust vector control systems on the VEGA launcher. It uses electrically actuated thrust vector control powered by lithium-ion rechargeable batteries on all stages. For the first stage, 6 lithium-ion batteries provide power to a 360V/200A integrated power distribution unit which powers 2 electro-mechanical actuators that control thrust vectoring. Mechanical and thermal challenges were addressed in the design which places the batteries and electronics in a non-protected area between stages.

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ehsan
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112 views

Thrust Vector

The document discusses the power chain for thrust vector control systems on the VEGA launcher. It uses electrically actuated thrust vector control powered by lithium-ion rechargeable batteries on all stages. For the first stage, 6 lithium-ion batteries provide power to a 360V/200A integrated power distribution unit which powers 2 electro-mechanical actuators that control thrust vectoring. Mechanical and thermal challenges were addressed in the design which places the batteries and electronics in a non-protected area between stages.

Uploaded by

ehsan
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Power chain of Thrust Vector Control for VEGA launcher Alexandre, P.; De Coster, F.; Telteu-Nedelcu D.

Socit Anonyme Belge de Constructions Aronautiques In the past, thrust vector control systems (TVC) for launchers have been powered by hydraulic source (high pressure vessel or hydraulic pump). New generation launchers use electrical TVC. This paper presents new challenges concerning the power chain when using those electrical systems and the solutions applied on VEGA launcher. VEGA is a small four-stage launcher conceived to put in orbit small payloads. It is a single body launcher composed of the three solid propellant stages and a liquid propellant upper module. All the stages use electrically actuated thrust vector control systems powered by lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. The first stage TVC (see fig.1) is composed by: 6 Li-ion batteries (60 V 200 A) put in series [1]. A 360 V 200 A Integrated Power Distribution Unit (IPDU) 2 Electro Mechanical Actuators (EMA) to control the thrust vector cables harness The IPDU includes: a control unit based on the HBRISC-2, an in-house space qualified micro-controller an input stage 2 power bridges of 25 kW each (one per actuator) using 1200V/300A IGBTs power transistors Its design takes a special care to prevent corona effect at high altitude (60 km) as the peak voltage reaches 400 V. Mechanical and thermal aspect is also a challenge as the batteries and the electronic unit are placed on the inter-stage skirt (see fig.1) in a non protected area. The electrical motor is a PMSM motor controlled with the oriented field method. The motor has been specifically optimised to get a wide flux-weakening region, in order to minimize the drive power rating for the required torque speed performance range.

Fig.1 First stage actuator and electronics (left); integration of electronics and batteries in the lower inter-stage ring (right) Reference 1. R. Albano, P. Brochard and F. De Coster: "Lithium-ion batteries for the VEGA launcher" Proceedings of the conference on Changes In Aeronautical And Space Systems Challenges For On Board Energy, Avignon, June 2006

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