High voltage distribution simplifies power distribution in high power spacecraft by reducing current flow. Nowadays, there are several mission types that will be benefit from an increase in bus voltage, e.g. large GEO telecom, orbital servicing missions - interplanetary carriers, space tug and probes. Recently, several studies [1] propose the use high voltage (from 300V to 600V) distribution using a fully regulated direct energy transfer architecture. From the perspective of power distribution, the development of solid-state latching current limiters and circuit breakers are one of the main issues at such a high voltage. Silicon based devices are limited in maximum voltage and wide bandgap power devices will better meet those strict requirements. This Idea focuses on this area, to continue the work done in a recently completed doctoral thesis, whose main results can be summarized in [2]. Adapting the original circuit to space requirements (for example, drive circuit, SPFF design…) and exploring new concepts (for example, bidirectional operation, paralleling…) are the tasks planned for this project. As a research co-sponsorship approach in the form of PhD or Post Doc, the applicants provide not only the co-funding, but also, they have developed most of the test-bench facilities required for low TRL tests (up to 4). In addition, applicants can continue their studies at later stages of development, under various collaboration agreements with companies, in a more relevant environment. References [1] High-voltage Electrical Power System Architecture. H2020 Grant Agreement No 687515. http://hv-epsa-h2020.eu [2] D. Marroqui, A. Garrigos, J. M. Blanes, R. Gutierrez, E. Maset, “Circuit proposals for high-voltage latching current limiters,” 12thEuropean Space Power Conference, 2019, Juan-les-Pines, France. https://doi.org/10.1109/ESPC.2019.8931995
