design and evaluation of a satellite power control unit for improved mission operations

Paper number

IAC-24,B4,IP,64,x89967

Author

Mr. Victor Joseph Ochave, Philippine Space Agency, The Philippines

Coauthor

Mr. Ydron Paul Amarga, Philippine Space Agency, The Philippines

Coauthor

Ms. Elaiza Pontrias, Philippine Space Agency, The Philippines

Coauthor

Ms. Dyna Lindsey Insigne, Philippine Space Agency, The Philippines

Coauthor

Mr. Kerby Gagarin, Philippine Space Agency, The Philippines

Coauthor

Mr. Prince William Lim, Philippine Space Agency, The Philippines

Coauthor

Mr. Arvin Oliver Ng, Philippine Space Agency, The Philippines

Coauthor

Mr. John Paul Almonte, The Philippines

Coauthor

Ms. Cara Patricia Canlas, Philippine Space Agency, The Philippines

Coauthor

Mr. Glen Franco Gacal, Philippine Space Agency, The Philippines

Coauthor

Dr. Julie Ann Banatao, Philippine Space Agency, The Philippines

Coauthor

Dr. Marc Caesar Talampas, Philippine Space Agency, The Philippines

Coauthor

Mr. Leo Allen Tayo, University of the Philippines Diliman, The Philippines

Year

2024

Abstract

The Philippines has asserted its presence as an emerging spacefaring nation with the launch of two 50-kg class Earth observation microsatellites to low Earth orbit (LEO), namely Diwata-1 and 2, both of which were developed in collaboration with Tohoku University and Hokkaido University in Japan. Since the launch of the Diwata satellites, the Philippines is looking to sustain spacecraft development and innovation in the country. The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) aims to locally develop a LEO satellite bus platform to reduce dependence on foreign payload hosting missions and enable the local industry to enter the upstream space technology market. This study proposes the design of a power supply unit for a locally developed satellite bus platform that can improve satellite operation efficiency. 

The Power Unit for Satellite Operations (PUSO) improves upon Diwata-2's power control and distribution unit through innovations in battery cell construction and power supply electronics that addresses the issues encountered during Diwata-2’s operation. The use of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries in place of nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) for the Diwata bus is also explored. PUSO’s initial design includes battery cell-balancing and the use of state-of-charge (SOC) and state-of-health (SOH) estimation algorithms to improve battery utilization. An ideal cell-balancing method for satellite batteries is determined, and self-calibrating models are used for SOC and SOH to account for parameter changes due to aging. 

This study includes an assessment of the detailed design of PUSO highlighting the impact of its new functionalities on satellite operators and the overall satellite mission. The manufacturability of the design is also verified by local industry partners in the Philippines to facilitate technology transfer. The results will be relevant to future satellite power system designs and can provide valuable insights on space technology development and knowledge transfer for emerging space nations.

Abstract document

IAC-24,B4,IP,64,x89967.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-24,B4,IP,64,x89967.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.