Electrical Power Subsystem (EPS)
One of the most critical subsystems in any spacecraft or satellite architecture is the Electrical Power Subsystem (EPS), which plays a key role in ensuring mission continuity by delivering constant and steady energy to all onboard components.
This subsystem must operate consistently throughout all mission phases, from launch to end-of-life, despite very strict constraints on size, weight, and power availability – especially in the context of nanosatellite platforms such as CubeSats. In these scenarios, efficiency and smart power management are not just beneficial, but essential.
Power distribution within the spacecraft is typically managed by Point-of-Load (POL) converters, which supply energy to all onboard devices and subsystems. The efficiency of these converters has a direct impact on satellite’s overall power budget. Minimizing conversion losses is therefore crucial to reduce heat dissipation and decrease battery capacity requirements—benefits that can be translated into enhanced performance and longer mission durations.

To address these challenges, the research group has designed and developed flexible POL converter architectures based on switched inductors and dynamic switching frequency control. Unlike conventional static designs, optimized for fixed load conditions, the proposed approach adjusts its operating parameters in real time to match changing power demands, maintaining high efficiency across a broad operational range.
Additionally, the integration of embedded control logic enables smart transitions between power states, improving resource allocation based on subsystems activity.
Experimental results have demonstrated an efficiency enhancement up to 25%, compared to traditional solutions based on static sized circuit parameters [1]. These solutions can contribute to the development of more efficient and adaptable power systems, supporting a wider range of mission requirements and satellite configurations.
References:
[1] F.R. Nardelli, G. Coviello, G. Brunetti, A. Florio, G. Avitabile and C. Ciminelli, “Enhancing Efficiency in Buck Converters through Dynamic Switched Inductor and Switching Frequency Control,” International Conference on Applications in Electronics Pervading Industry, Environment and Society (ApplePies) 2024, Turin, Italy, 19 – 20 September 2024. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-84100-2_61