Voltage regulator provides improved voltage-regulating system in which power dissipation and consequent heat generation are minimized. Each power source section is controlled sequentially so that only one operates in a linear range at a time

Binckley, W. G.

Wright, W. H.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

April 1970	 Brief 70-10195 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
- 
NASA Tech Briefs announce new technology derived from the U .S. space program. They are issued to encourage commercial 
application. Tech Briefs are available on a subscription basis from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical 
Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. Requests for individual copies or questions relating to the Tech Brief program may 
be directed to the Technology Utilization Division, NASA, Code UT, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
-	 - 
Voltage Regulator with Multiple, Parallel Power Source Sections 
•	 'flL1 
SH1 
1 S1 t ^^ 
ISource	 I 
.111
f1 L2 
Control	 Control 
1	 12 
SH2  
Shunt	 Shunt 
1	 1s2t	 2 
Source
2
SHN 
'SN 
Typical Source Output 
Current'	 Characteristic 
l+l L
, Typical Source 
Operating Point 
- - - - -
	 Current-Voltage 
Characteristics 
Voltage	
VL 
Typical Operating Conditions for 
Linear Mode Section Operation 
The problem: 
To provide an improved voltage-regulating system 
in which power dissipation and consequent heat 
generation is minimized. 
The solution: 
A voltage regulator with multiple power-source 
sections, each having individually acting dissipative 
paths that can be controlled sequentially so that only 
one operates in a linear range at a time. With this 
device, power dissipation and localized heating will
be substantially less than similar effects found in con-
ventional systems. 
How it's done: 
One embodiment of the innovation is illustrated 
in the accompanying diagram. A load is connected 
to a supply line or bus across which is connected a 
number of parallel power-source sections that are 
substantially identical. Typically, the output voltage 
from each section increases as the current drawn from 
that section decreases. To prevent .the output voltage 
to the load from increasing as the load current de-
mand is reduced, individually acting dissipative paths 
are provided, each of which is connected to one of 
the power source sections. These shunts are controlled 
in response to the output of a comparator that com-
pares the bus voltage with a reference. Thus, as the 
load current decreases and the bus voltage begins to 
rise, the comparator will provide an error signal that 
will actuate one of the shunts to draw additional 
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned-rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19700000188 2020-03-17T00:29:07+00:00Z
current from its associated power-source section, 	 2. No additional documentation is available. Specific 
and thereby lower the output voltage. The additional	 questions, however, may be directed to: 
current flows through the actuated shunt path and Technology Utilization Officer	 W 
does not affect the load. Goddard Space Flight Center 
The dissipative paths are preferably comprised of Greenbelt, Maryland 20771 
power transistors, which dissipate very small amounts Reference: B70-10195 
of power in their off and fully saturated states, re- Patent status: 
spectively. Maximum power is dissipated when the Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commercial 
transistors are operated in their linear operating range. use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code 
Appropriate controls, responsive to the comparator GP, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
error signals, are provided to actuate each of the Source: William G. Binckley and 
dissipative paths in sequence as the signal increases .	 Warren H. Wright of 
or decreases. In this manner, all of the power dissipa- TRW Systems Group 
tors except one will be either off or in a saturated state under contract to 
at a given time. Because only one transistor at a time
.	 Goddard Space Flight Center 
will be operating in its linear state, power dissipation (GSC-10891) 
and localized heating will be minimized. . 
Notes:	 . 
1. This	 invention	 should	 be	 useful for controlling 
the output voltage of large electrical power sources, 
such as solar cell arrays.
Brief 70-10195	 .	 .	 .	 .	 Category 02 


Voltage regulator with multiple parallel power source sections

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