The Experimental Study of Bi-directional Buck-Boost Converter Based on GaN-FETs for Satellite Energy Systems

Ahmet Karaarslan; Hüseyin Ural

doi:10.54287/gujsa.1813548

The Experimental Study of Bi-directional Buck-Boost Converter Based on GaN-FETs for Satellite Energy Systems

Abstract

This study presents the design and experimental validation of a bi-directional, non-inverting Buck–Boost DC–DC converter based on Gallium Nitride (GaN) field-effect transistors for satellite power management and distribution systems. The symmetrical topology enables fully bi-directional power flow, supporting charging and discharging operations in distributed spacecraft power architectures. GaN devices enable high-frequency operation up to 500 kHz, reducing switching losses and allowing a compact, high–power-density implementation. The converter is designed in alignment with key ECSS-E-ST-20C guidelines adopted by the European Space Agency (ESA), including component derating, protection strategies, and thermal margin considerations, while full ECSS qualification and ESA acceptance testing are beyond the scope of this work. Active current and voltage protection mechanisms are incorporated to ensure safe operation under wide input-voltage variations and dynamic load conditions. Experimental results demonstrate a rated output power of 90 W, a maximum output power of 135 W, a peak efficiency of 95.2%, a power density of 375 W/cm³, and a maximum device temperature below 73 °C at full load under ambient laboratory conditions. The results indicate that the proposed GaN-based converter is a promising candidate architecture for future ESA-aligned, ECSS-compliant satellite power processing units.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Electrical Circuits and Systems, Electrical Energy Storage, Electrical Machines and Drives

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Ahmet Karaarslan ^*
0000-0001-6475-4539
Türkiye

Hüseyin Ural
0009-0003-0724-8068
Türkiye

Publication Date

March 31, 2026

Submission Date

October 30, 2025

Acceptance Date

March 12, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 13 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.54287/gujsa.1813548

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA92TB67GW

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Karaarslan, A., & Ural, H. (2026). The Experimental Study of Bi-directional Buck-Boost Converter Based on GaN-FETs for Satellite Energy Systems. Gazi University Journal of Science Part A: Engineering and Innovation, 13(1), 146-164. https://doi.org/10.54287/gujsa.1813548

AMA

1.Karaarslan A, Ural H. The Experimental Study of Bi-directional Buck-Boost Converter Based on GaN-FETs for Satellite Energy Systems. GU J Sci, Part A. 2026;13(1):146-164. doi:10.54287/gujsa.1813548

Chicago

Karaarslan, Ahmet, and Hüseyin Ural. 2026. “The Experimental Study of Bi-Directional Buck-Boost Converter Based on GaN-FETs for Satellite Energy Systems”. Gazi University Journal of Science Part A: Engineering and Innovation 13 (1): 146-64. https://doi.org/10.54287/gujsa.1813548.

EndNote

Karaarslan A, Ural H (March 1, 2026) The Experimental Study of Bi-directional Buck-Boost Converter Based on GaN-FETs for Satellite Energy Systems. Gazi University Journal of Science Part A: Engineering and Innovation 13 1 146–164.

IEEE

[1]A. Karaarslan and H. Ural, “The Experimental Study of Bi-directional Buck-Boost Converter Based on GaN-FETs for Satellite Energy Systems”, GU J Sci, Part A, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 146–164, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.54287/gujsa.1813548.

ISNAD

Karaarslan, Ahmet - Ural, Hüseyin. “The Experimental Study of Bi-Directional Buck-Boost Converter Based on GaN-FETs for Satellite Energy Systems”. Gazi University Journal of Science Part A: Engineering and Innovation 13/1 (March 1, 2026): 146-164. https://doi.org/10.54287/gujsa.1813548.

JAMA

1.Karaarslan A, Ural H. The Experimental Study of Bi-directional Buck-Boost Converter Based on GaN-FETs for Satellite Energy Systems. GU J Sci, Part A. 2026;13:146–164.

MLA

Karaarslan, Ahmet, and Hüseyin Ural. “The Experimental Study of Bi-Directional Buck-Boost Converter Based on GaN-FETs for Satellite Energy Systems”. Gazi University Journal of Science Part A: Engineering and Innovation, vol. 13, no. 1, Mar. 2026, pp. 146-64, doi:10.54287/gujsa.1813548.

Vancouver

1.Ahmet Karaarslan, Hüseyin Ural. The Experimental Study of Bi-directional Buck-Boost Converter Based on GaN-FETs for Satellite Energy Systems. GU J Sci, Part A. 2026 Mar. 1;13(1):146-64. doi:10.54287/gujsa.1813548