Power

Lead: Joschka Seip

This subsection deals with the generation, storage and distribution of energy for the satellite. To ensure the functionality of the other subsystems, a reliable energy supply is essential. The energy is generated by solar cells on the lateral surfaces of the satellite. A “Power Control and Distribution Unit” (PCDU) is used, which on the one hand charges batteries with the power from the solar cells and on the other hand distributes the power stored there to the other subsystems. 

Accumulators

Lithium-ion accumulators are planned for storing energy. Particular importance must be attached to good component properties, such as service life, possibilities for temperature control and protection against overcharging and deep discharging. Only if these conditions are met can the satellite’s energy balance function as planned.

There are commercially available batteries that are specially tested for space travel and meet the requirements of our mission. However, since these are very expensive and ordinary batteries can also be of sufficient quality, it is an option to order a large number of these and select the suitable ones through our own tests.

In order to be able to test the functionality of the developed PCDU and the accumulators in our framework on Earth, a dummy is also to be built, which imitates the properties of the later used solar cells in orbit as well as possible. 

Sensor technology

In addition to the selection and development of components, the observation of voltages, currents and temperatures is a central task of the energy subsection. For this purpose, appropriate sensors are installed at various positions in the circuits in order to track the operation of the individual components, to check their functionality and to be able to detect problems at an early stage. One example is the temperature of the batteries, which must be kept constant despite large temperature fluctuations in orbit in order not to damage the batteries. However, the recording of raw data also offers good opportunities to reconstruct possible malfunctions or to investigate new questions after the satellite has been launched. 

Solar cells

Several solar cells attached to the sides of the satellite will be used to generate energy. Different cell architectures and geometries provide different advantages in terms of efficiency, power and price. For this purpose, we survey the current models on the market, collect the parameters and contact the companies. 

PCDU

The „Power Control and Distribution Unit“ (PCDU) on the one hand regulates the voltage generated by the solar cells to a voltage suitable for charging the batteries, and on the other hand transforms the voltage generated by the batteries to the system voltage required by the other subsystems. We are developing the circuitry required for this in cooperation with LibreCube, a team at ESOC that is developing an open-source Cubesat platform. The first tests of the PCDU are planned for early 2020. 

Simulation

Simulation is used to predict the behaviour of the power system. Various influences on the system have to be taken into account. The orientation of the satellite relative to the sun, the crossing of the earth’s shadow, the energy production by the solar cells, as well as the efficiencies of the electronic components of the PCDU are to be simulated in order to ultimately make an accurate and flexible model of the energy balance on the satellite possible. To be able to react as flexibly as possible to future design iterations and changing components, as many parts of the simulation as possible should be parametric.

For best possible collaboration with other subsections like the thermal subsection, the modelling environment OpenModelica and DOCKS is used.