Session
Weekend Poster Session 2
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
This paper focuses on an overview of the electrical power system (EPS) implemented in the Visible extragalactic background radiation exploration by CubeSat (VERTECS), a 6U CubeSat developed by a collaboration of the Kyushu institute of technology (Kyutech), JAXA, universities, and companies. Its mission aims to reveal the star-formation history of the universe through observations of the extragalactic background light (EBL) in visible wavelength. This article presents the three primary functions of the EPS in VERTECS design (i.e., power source, energy storage, and power control) in detail, as well as the verification of the system by the breadboard model (BBM). Numerous factors are considered in designing and developing the power source for VERTECS. The keys of the design consist of end-of-life (EOL) requirements, the selection of solar cell type, the solar array mass and area, power input, and power consumption. Most designs of the EPS have flight heritage from previous satellites developed at Kyutech. Given the application of high-throughput optics in the payload for efficient handling and processing of large amounts of light, significant updates are required in the EPS design, particularly concerning power consumption. Consequently, the design of solar panels has been enhanced by increasing the two deployable solar panels to serve more power for the mission. The triple junction GaAs solar panels with five solar panels are utilized for VERTECS. There are three panels mounted to the satellite structure and two panels deployed. Secondly, VERTECS adopts the Li-ion battery as the energy storage due to its superior capacity-weight ratio. The battery screening approaches are essential to ensure the operational efficiency of the battery throughout the mission in space. The battery screening consists of physical and cell screenings conducted before and after vacuum and vibration testing. After the screening, the batteries are selected according to the appropriate and standard criteria. Regarding the power control, the peripheral interface controller (PIC), known as the Reset PIC, controls the electrical power supply for VERTECS satellite system. Its primary function is to reset the power supply of other microcontrollers in the event of failure. In the design to mitigate potential issues of the Reset PIC, its programming code is straightforward, and a simple external watchdog is provided to facilitate recovery. Furthermore, functional testing of the BBM is conducted to verify the EPS. It includes verifying voltage ratings, overcurrent protection, and DC/DC converter efficiency.
An Electrical Power System Development for VERTECS: A 6U CubeSat Mission for Observation the Extragalactic Background Light
Utah State University, Logan, UT
This paper focuses on an overview of the electrical power system (EPS) implemented in the Visible extragalactic background radiation exploration by CubeSat (VERTECS), a 6U CubeSat developed by a collaboration of the Kyushu institute of technology (Kyutech), JAXA, universities, and companies. Its mission aims to reveal the star-formation history of the universe through observations of the extragalactic background light (EBL) in visible wavelength. This article presents the three primary functions of the EPS in VERTECS design (i.e., power source, energy storage, and power control) in detail, as well as the verification of the system by the breadboard model (BBM). Numerous factors are considered in designing and developing the power source for VERTECS. The keys of the design consist of end-of-life (EOL) requirements, the selection of solar cell type, the solar array mass and area, power input, and power consumption. Most designs of the EPS have flight heritage from previous satellites developed at Kyutech. Given the application of high-throughput optics in the payload for efficient handling and processing of large amounts of light, significant updates are required in the EPS design, particularly concerning power consumption. Consequently, the design of solar panels has been enhanced by increasing the two deployable solar panels to serve more power for the mission. The triple junction GaAs solar panels with five solar panels are utilized for VERTECS. There are three panels mounted to the satellite structure and two panels deployed. Secondly, VERTECS adopts the Li-ion battery as the energy storage due to its superior capacity-weight ratio. The battery screening approaches are essential to ensure the operational efficiency of the battery throughout the mission in space. The battery screening consists of physical and cell screenings conducted before and after vacuum and vibration testing. After the screening, the batteries are selected according to the appropriate and standard criteria. Regarding the power control, the peripheral interface controller (PIC), known as the Reset PIC, controls the electrical power supply for VERTECS satellite system. Its primary function is to reset the power supply of other microcontrollers in the event of failure. In the design to mitigate potential issues of the Reset PIC, its programming code is straightforward, and a simple external watchdog is provided to facilitate recovery. Furthermore, functional testing of the BBM is conducted to verify the EPS. It includes verifying voltage ratings, overcurrent protection, and DC/DC converter efficiency.
