OHB Sweden is a leading Swedish supplier of space systems. We develop, build, test and commission satellites and subsystems for space missions in, for example, communication, earth observation and space research for institutional and commercial customers within and outside Europe.

OHB Sweden’s Innosat microsatellite platform has traditionally used Direct Energy Transfer (DET) for its power architecture, offering reliability and simplicity. However, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) systems can potentially provide greater power efficiency for certain mission profiles. This master's thesis will focus on evaluating the tradeoff between MPPT and DET for future Innosat missions within the frame of a generic power architecture. 

The master’s thesis focuses on conducting a tradeoff analysis between MPPT and DET power systems within the Innosat platform, identifying optimal conditions for each system. Each EPS sizing require several analyses to ensure the correct selection of the EPS elements, and this implies a substantial amount of engineering hours (simulations, CONOPS adaptation, solar array redesign and accommodation, etc.) and testing hours (hence, engineer and technician hours, capital commitment such as testing equipment and clean rooms) to be weighed against higher recurring costs of the units (larger battery, larger solar arrays or the used of Solar Array Drive mechanism). Therefore, the thesis will explore the design of a generic, reusable power architecture that can be adapted to multiple InnoSat missions, reducing per-mission engineering effort and optimization. 

The tasks of the master's thesis topic are as follows:

• Spice Simulations: Perform simulations of MPPT and DET systems to evaluate power efficiency, stability, and bus performance under different mission scenarios.
• Satellite Simulation Models: Update and modify existing satellite power simulation models to accommodate different test cases and mission requirements.
• Power Subsystem Simulations: Run multiple configurations of Electrical Power Subsystems (EPS) across various mission profiles to identify performance trends and architecture scalability.
• Generic Architecture Tradeoff: Conduct a tradeoff analysis between tailored power designs for each mission (as currently done) versus a more generic, oversized EPS that could handle multiple missions with minimal adjustments.
• Requirements Specifications: Define a set of typical requirement specifications for a generic MPPT-based EPS for future Innosat missions.

The required candidate’s skills are:

• A good understanding of power electronics and power conversion, as well as previous experience of Spice and Matlab simulations are mandatory.
• A previous experience of solar array implementation into a power generation system is a plus
• Knowledge in Python and other scripted languages is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving and innovative thinking skills.
• Self-motivation and the ability to work both independently and in teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for sharing findings with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of satellite Power system design while gaining valuable experience in the space industry. During the Master Thesis, OHB Sweden is offering support and technical expertise from highly skilled, motivated and innovative Electrical engineers.

The Master thesis requires you to be in Stockholm at our office in Kista and cannot be done remotely. We follow the export controls law and this regulates which country of birth people who work on our projects may have. We at OHB cannot influence this law.

We look forward to your application! 😀