Spacecraft Power Controller for Eclipse-Aware Payload Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spacecrafts face challenges in maintaining reliable communications due to unexpected power surges or eclipses, leading to potential complete shutdown of communications components, necessitating autonomous control of electric power consumption to prevent payload shedding.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous power management system that includes solar arrays, a battery, and a power controller, which monitors electric power and state of charge to dynamically adjust power distribution to components, prioritizing critical functions and reducing consumption during low power conditions or high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spacecraft operates all communication components during eclipse periods, then communication reliability is maintained, but power consumption exceeds available power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system dynamically adjusts the operational state of communication components based on real-time power availability. During eclipse periods, the controller selectively activates critical communication components while placing non-critical components in low-power or standby modes, enabling the system to adapt its power consumption to match the limited power supply from batteries while maintaining essential communication functions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous monitoring of battery state of charge and power generation status, using this feedback to make real-time decisions about component operation. The controller receives feedback on available power and adjusts the operational status of communication components accordingly, ensuring that power consumption remains within available supply while maintaining communication reliability
2Power
If the solar array is sized to meet peak power demands, then power availability is sufficient, but the solar array degrades faster than expected
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of sizing the solar array to meet peak power demands, the system uses a smaller solar array that meets only the baseline power requirements. During eclipse periods or high-demand scenarios, the system selectively activates communication components based on available power from the smaller solar array and battery, rather than relying on an oversized solar array that would accelerate degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of communication components based on power availability. Rather than maintaining constant high-power operation that would require a large solar array, the system adjusts transmission power, data rates, and component activation states to match the smaller solar array's output, reducing overall stress on the solar array and extending its lifespan
3Productivity
If ground station bandwidth is exceeded, then communication capacity is insufficient, but increasing bandwidth increases power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system dynamically adjusts its data transmission rate and bandwidth utilization based on real-time power availability from the solar array and battery. During periods of high power availability, the system increases communication capacity by utilizing higher bandwidth. During eclipse periods or when power is limited, the system automatically reduces data rates and bandwidth usage to match available power, eliminating the need to permanently provision for peak bandwidth that would consume excessive power during normal operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively maintains balanced battery state and reduces power consumption during eclipses or high demand periods, preventing payload shutdown and ensuring continuous communication operations.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring electric power measurement data of electric power being generated by a solar array of the apparatus, the solar array being configured to at least charge a battery and provide electrical power to components of the apparatus
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for autonomous control of electric power consumption by an apparatus includes monitoring electric power measurement data of electric power generated by a solar array of the apparatus. The solar array is configured to at least charge a battery and provide electrical power to components of the apparatus. The method also includes monitoring a state of charge of the battery and autonomously controlling electric power consumption of an integrated payload array in response to at least the state of charge of the battery. The state of charge of the battery is maintained proximate a preset threshold.