Power-Enhanced Satellite Slew Maneuvers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional satellite slew maneuvers often result in solar arrays being kept in shadow, leading to power drainage, and require manual or rigidly prescribed 'sunbathe' operations to compensate, which adds complexity and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates a power-enhanced slew maneuver by determining a power collection function and a power cost function, optimizing solar exposure during satellite orientation changes using reaction wheel control and solar array orientation to maximize power collection while ensuring image collection objectives are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional satellite slew maneuvers are used, then satellite orientation changes are achieved, but solar arrays remain in shadow causing power drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the solar array orientation adjustable and adaptive during the slew maneuver. Instead of fixed array orientations, the system dynamically adjusts the array angles to track the sun's position throughout the satellite's rotation, ensuring continuous power collection while the satellite changes orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of solar array orientation angles during the slew maneuver. By calculating optimal array angles at different satellite orientations and transitioning between these angles, the system maintains solar exposure throughout the maneuver, converting a static parameter approach into a dynamic parameter adjustment strategy.
2Loss of energy
If manual or rigidly prescribed sunbathe operations are added, then power drainage is compensated, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sunbathe operation with the slew maneuver into a single integrated operation. Instead of performing separate sunbathe maneuvers to recharge batteries after slews, the system combines solar array orientation adjustment with the slew execution, achieving both orientation change and power collection in one coordinated action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by autonomously calculating and executing the power-enhanced slew maneuver without requiring manual intervention. The onboard computer determines optimal array orientations throughout the slew and automatically controls the array actuators, eliminating the need for operator decisions about when and how to perform sunbathe operations.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar array orientation is adjusted during slew, then power collection is maximized, but computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the optimal solar array orientations for all intermediate positions during the slew maneuver before execution. The onboard computer determines the sequence of array angles in advance based on the planned satellite orientation changes, allowing the system to execute the maneuver with minimal real-time computation while maintaining optimal power collection.
Data Source
AI summary
For power-enhanced slew maneuvers, a method determines a power collection function for a satellite. The method determines a power cost function for the satellite. The method calculates a power enhanced slew maneuver based on the power collection function and the power cost function.