Session
Weekday Poster Session 1
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
In the rapidly evolving landscape of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology, this study presents a pioneering approach for analyzing satellite durability through advanced orbit propagation and high fidelity 3D thermal-electric simulation. Small satellites, packed with high power components and rapidly transitioning between sunlit and eclipsed orbit segments, often feature limited thermal control systems that make thermal management a challenging (but critical) task. Additionally, the durability of battery cells and photovoltaic (PV) panels over the mission lifetime of small satellites is an important concern. Cycling and calendar fade take their toll on battery lifetime, and PV degradation reduces operational efficiency over time as well. Our research aims to develop a modeling approach for optimizing satellite resilience and operational efficiency by addressing critical factors such as battery lifetime, PV degradation and position/attitude correction automation.
Our approach to dynamic satellite simulation predicts in-orbit transient temperatures while considering PV-captured solar power, electronic loads and battery charging/discharging. A high fidelity simulation process obtains coupled thermal-electrical solutions by combining a 3D surface/volume mesh with appropriate thermal material properties and active heat sources. A battery management system is included to control battery cell discharging (due to electrical loads) and charging based on battery charge status and the availability of harvested solar energy from PV panels. PV module temperatures (as well as solar incidence angle and degradation) are used to calculate solar power conversion efficiency, which influences the available supplied power for electronics and battery charging. Declines in battery performance, characterized by reduced battery capacity and increased internal resistance, are considered based on battery lifetime predictions. Process automation software manages the simulation of satellites by incorporating propagation tools that provide orbital boundary conditions to the transient thermal-electrical solver. In addition, the orbital propagation tool can provide adaptations to the fluctuating and harsh LEO environment, including dynamic satellite positioning and minimizing exposure to radiation and other environmental stressors.
The result of this coupled approach is a comprehensive study of satellite durability against the thermal challenges inherent to LEO. This methodology considers both the inter-dependent relationship between electrical performance and thermal environments and the inevitable degradation of PV efficiency and battery performance over time, informing deliberate decisions regarding material selection and thermal control strategies. This helps ensure temperatures of critical components (including battery cells) remain inside operational limits and extend satellite mission lifetimes by avoiding unnecessary stresses that impact durability. Our research findings showcase a significant advancement in the ability to predict and improve satellite durability by mitigating the impact of environmental stress on critical components. By combining sophisticated orbit propagation with advanced energy generation and storage simulation capabilities, our approach contributes to the sustainability of satellite missions in LEO, reducing operational costs and environmental impact. This study not only presents innovative predictive capabilities but also underscores the importance of developing resilient satellite systems for the future of orbital infrastructure.
Development of a Methodology for Optimizing Satellite Durability by Coupling Advanced Orbit Propagation with High Fidelity 3D Thermal-Electrical Simulation
Utah State University, Logan, UT
In the rapidly evolving landscape of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology, this study presents a pioneering approach for analyzing satellite durability through advanced orbit propagation and high fidelity 3D thermal-electric simulation. Small satellites, packed with high power components and rapidly transitioning between sunlit and eclipsed orbit segments, often feature limited thermal control systems that make thermal management a challenging (but critical) task. Additionally, the durability of battery cells and photovoltaic (PV) panels over the mission lifetime of small satellites is an important concern. Cycling and calendar fade take their toll on battery lifetime, and PV degradation reduces operational efficiency over time as well. Our research aims to develop a modeling approach for optimizing satellite resilience and operational efficiency by addressing critical factors such as battery lifetime, PV degradation and position/attitude correction automation.
Our approach to dynamic satellite simulation predicts in-orbit transient temperatures while considering PV-captured solar power, electronic loads and battery charging/discharging. A high fidelity simulation process obtains coupled thermal-electrical solutions by combining a 3D surface/volume mesh with appropriate thermal material properties and active heat sources. A battery management system is included to control battery cell discharging (due to electrical loads) and charging based on battery charge status and the availability of harvested solar energy from PV panels. PV module temperatures (as well as solar incidence angle and degradation) are used to calculate solar power conversion efficiency, which influences the available supplied power for electronics and battery charging. Declines in battery performance, characterized by reduced battery capacity and increased internal resistance, are considered based on battery lifetime predictions. Process automation software manages the simulation of satellites by incorporating propagation tools that provide orbital boundary conditions to the transient thermal-electrical solver. In addition, the orbital propagation tool can provide adaptations to the fluctuating and harsh LEO environment, including dynamic satellite positioning and minimizing exposure to radiation and other environmental stressors.
The result of this coupled approach is a comprehensive study of satellite durability against the thermal challenges inherent to LEO. This methodology considers both the inter-dependent relationship between electrical performance and thermal environments and the inevitable degradation of PV efficiency and battery performance over time, informing deliberate decisions regarding material selection and thermal control strategies. This helps ensure temperatures of critical components (including battery cells) remain inside operational limits and extend satellite mission lifetimes by avoiding unnecessary stresses that impact durability. Our research findings showcase a significant advancement in the ability to predict and improve satellite durability by mitigating the impact of environmental stress on critical components. By combining sophisticated orbit propagation with advanced energy generation and storage simulation capabilities, our approach contributes to the sustainability of satellite missions in LEO, reducing operational costs and environmental impact. This study not only presents innovative predictive capabilities but also underscores the importance of developing resilient satellite systems for the future of orbital infrastructure.
