Abstract
Special application nano-satellites increasingly require higher power usage. Miltec internally funded the design and fabrication of an Electrical Power System (EPS) specifically for Cube satellites. This paper is an overview of Miltec’s first generation EPS implementation currently on orbit and a discussion of lessons learned, orbit telemetry data and intended path forward to address higher power capabilities. The paper will cover the requirements placed on the hardware and the design considerations during the initial phase of the development. Because often times external factors are over looked that impact the design, the paper also discusses satisfying range safety and PPOD integration requirements that must be met and proven before a cube satellite begins launch integration activities. More than just insight into a design, the EPS hardware described has been built, tested, and is presently in orbit. The paper will conclude with suggestions/guidance for designing an inexpensive solar panel simulator and a single Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) Battery Charge Regulator (BCR) channel, ideal for university students interested in investigating, programming, and testing their own MPPT designs and algorithms.
Presentation
Design of a High Power Cube Satellite Power System
Special application nano-satellites increasingly require higher power usage. Miltec internally funded the design and fabrication of an Electrical Power System (EPS) specifically for Cube satellites. This paper is an overview of Miltec’s first generation EPS implementation currently on orbit and a discussion of lessons learned, orbit telemetry data and intended path forward to address higher power capabilities. The paper will cover the requirements placed on the hardware and the design considerations during the initial phase of the development. Because often times external factors are over looked that impact the design, the paper also discusses satisfying range safety and PPOD integration requirements that must be met and proven before a cube satellite begins launch integration activities. More than just insight into a design, the EPS hardware described has been built, tested, and is presently in orbit. The paper will conclude with suggestions/guidance for designing an inexpensive solar panel simulator and a single Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) Battery Charge Regulator (BCR) channel, ideal for university students interested in investigating, programming, and testing their own MPPT designs and algorithms.
