C-2PO: Comparing Two Power Outputs

Transcription

1 Chris Koehler 9/23/11 8:29 PM Comment [1]: Your proposal is good but some things are missing that would have made it great. For example, you talk briefly about voltmeters and show an Arduino but it's not clear to me that you really understand how these thing are going to work together yet. Without I can't say you know how or if you can measure your data. Please read the comments below. Gateway to Space - R3D3 1

2 Mission Statement Our mission is to design, build and launch a BalloonSat which shall test and compare two types of energy generation systems. The first energy system shall be solar panels placed on the outside of the BalloonSat. The second generation system shall utilize a propeller on the top of the BalloonSat so that as air passes through it the rotation shall be converted into measurable energy. Chris Koehler 9/23/11 6:40 PM Comment [2]: OK but not great. I would work on making this OK mission statement a masterpiece in the next rev. Overview According to the European Space Agency, The sun is a very powerful, clean and convenient source of power, specifically for satellites 1 that first came into usage in space with the 1958 Vanguard satellite. However, the solar arrays of needed by an average-sized satellite are quite large, due to the rather low efficiency of the individual solar cells. 2 Due to the small size and surface area of a BalloonSat a power system based off of solar panels may have reduced efficiency. Furthermore, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, wind power is the fastest growing source of power. 3 While on a normal satellite it is not a viable source of power due to lack of atmosphere, a wind driven propeller is a possibility for a BalloonSat for part of the ascent and descent. During the BalloonSat s movement through the lower atmosphere layers, the air will spin the propeller to generate energy. My team therefore proposes to do a comparison of these two types of power generation in order to determine the most effective technique. From our mission of testing two methods of energy generation, solar panels and a propeller, data shall be collected on the amount of energy generated at various altitudes so that a comprehensive comparison of the two systems can be conducted. This shall allow us to determine what energy system is most effective at varying conditions different altitudes, speeds, and ascent versus decent. We hope to gather data from this experiment from which we plan to discover comparable information about the two energy systems. Essentially, the energy gathered over the period of the flight by both systems will be charted against the altitude. Looking at each system s corresponding charts we will be able to discover whether the solar system or propeller system is most efficient overall. We shall also be able to discover which power generation type puts out more at various altitudes. In this final comparison, we will also attempt to take into account possible other environmental occurrences factoring on the success of each systems. Our mission s purpose is to learn about solar and propeller power generation and better understand these systems and impacts on them. Furthermore, the BalloonSat programs are increasing; according to NASA, these programs help attract and retain students in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 4 Due to budget cuts NASA is not able to do such projects without knowing it is worth it. As the BalloonSats grow in popularity, efficient power sources for the missions need to be investigated. We might be able to prove it is worth a try. Sources: 1 Chris Koehler 9/23/11 6:42 PM Comment [3]: You will need to account for the effects of clouds and low sun angle on the solar cells during a part of your flight. Chris Koehler 9/23/11 6:39 PM Comment [4]: Not the best sentence to end on. Gateway to Space - R3D3 2

3 Technical Overview How We Plan to Accomplish our Mission We re going to break it up into the solar powered panel system and the spin generator system. We will attach voltmeters to both systems which are attached to a recording device to record the data as it comes in. The technology for solar panels has already been refined, so we are simply going to use solar panels on all sides of our box to harness solar energy. The second system, the spin generator, will use a fan or propeller to spin a magnet inside a DC generator. This will also have a voltmeter with recording integrated into the system. After landing, we will compare the data from the solar panel with the data from the propeller. Through this comparison, we will be able to determine the most effective source of energy throughout the stages of the flight. As far as meeting the other mission requirements, we will add backup batteries as needed to the system so that we can power the camera and the HOBO data logger. The active heater system will also be attached to the batteries in order to ensure at least a base temperature of -10 degrees Celsius throughout the duration of the flight. To finish the system, we will have an altimeter or GPS to record our position. Comparing this data with the data we retrieved from the other devices will give a more accurate idea of what happened during flight. Being able to analyze a significant amount of data will result in a successful flight. Illustration of Design Chris Koehler 9/23/11 6:47 PM Comment [5]: What is this? Are you going to use the same device to measure both solar and propeller voltages? You will need to calibrate both sensors and consider ground based solar cells for a control experiment for ground data comparisons. Chris Koehler 9/23/11 6:44 PM Comment [6]: This statement indicates you don t understand the HOBO or camera. Chris Koehler 9/23/11 7:30 PM Comment [7]: Really? Chris Koehler 9/23/11 6:46 PM Comment [8]: This statement is not entirely correct. Your data needs to be tied to altitude and environmental conditions to successfully understand if you mission statement was met. Consider better defining what is a successful flight for your mission. Chris Koehler 9/23/11 7:06 PM Comment [9]: Should make this picture bigger. Want to maintain font size with pictures too. Units should be something that fit the size. Cm is better than meters. Gateway to Space - R3D3 3

4 Chris Koehler 9/23/11 7:10 PM Comment [10]: Good picture of propeller but I am concerned about your interference of the with the flight string or it interfering with your propeller. Consider a side mount. Executing our Design Our plan to design our final satellite will begin with brainstorming and prototyping, followed by testing, revision, construction, and the final flight. We will begin with multiple brainstorming sessions where we discuss how best to implement our design ideas and come up with our initial plan of attack. In the places where we are unsure about the best route to take, we will build small prototypes to test our different approaches.these small scale tests will allow us to guarantee that our final design will work as planned. After our brainstorming sessions, we will acquire the requisite hardware for our satellite. For our science mission systems, that includes solar panels, an altimeter, a DC motor or power generator, two voltmeters, two ammeters, indicator lights, switches, and an Arduino board to interface and control all of our sensors. Other hardware that we will buy for other systems in the R3D3 BalloonSat include batteries for power storage and a dehumidifying substance. Items that we will not buy since they have been provided to us include the foam board, HOBO data-logger, camera, and aluminum tape. After the acquisition of materials, we will then begin our small scale tests. We will likely be investigating how the shape of the propeller affects energy output, how the angle of the solar panels on the sides of the box affect solar output, what the most structurally sound design is, and how best to record and aggregate sensor data. With the knowledge gained from these tests, we will be able to improve our initial design to a more efficient and usable satellite. All that remains at that point is the construction of the actual satellite. We will construct each of the subsystems (solar panel power, propeller power, heater, sensor data logging and Chris Koehler 9/23/11 7:31 PM Comment [11]: Which is it? Chris Koehler 9/23/11 7:31 PM Comment [12]: Again, not clear on what you mean by this. Chris Koehler 9/23/11 7:32 PM Comment [13]: Heater, insulation, etc. Gateway to Space - R3D3 4

5 control, and structure. Then we test the individual systems again, and combine them all together into the final BalloonSat. Meeting Science and Mission Objectives Prior to launch, there are many tests that need to be performed to ensure that our experiments run as planned and to ensure that our BalloonSat will survive its flight. For the experiments, we will need to test our solar panels and our propeller. By placing the solar panels in sunlight, or in any light source, we will ensure that the panels are working properly. We can then test them in varying light intensities to make sure that a measurable difference in voltage occurs. This way we know that the panels will give accurate data during flight. We can connect the panels to a battery and then to another system in the satellite (ie. camera, heater) to make sure that we can both collect and utilize the solar energy. Without the collected energy we will have to rely solely on pre-stored battery power, which will be less efficient and will negatively affect this experiment. This concept of utilizing collected energy applies to the propeller as well because we need energy from the propeller to compare to the energy from the solar panels. Once we know, through testing, that the propeller will be able to harness wind energy, we can experiment with various placements of the prop as well as different shapes for the blades to maximize energy collection and efficiency. As of now, we are planning on placing the propeller on the top of the satellite, but we will need to do testing to determine the best place to put it. These tests will include blowing air onto the satellite from various directions and measuring the power collected by the generator for each direction. We will also experiment with inconsistent air motions (ie. spins, jerks, falls) to test both the placement of the propeller and also the effectiveness of the propeller in general. The satellite will not be moving in a predictable or a consistent fashion during flight, and it is vital that we ensure our wind generator will function throughout the flight. Another aspect of the generator we will need to test is the shape of the propeller blades. We want to find the strongest, lightest and most effective blades possible and to do this we will need to experiment with various designs and take strength, weight and energy output measurements. Although it is very important to test all of the aspects of our main experiment, it is also essential that we take the time to test those systems that are not directly related to the experiment. For example, we will need to make sure that our camera works and works how we want it to. This will involve either writing or checking the code for the timing of the camera and then ensuring that the camera takes pictures when we want it to. We also need to test our HOBO sensor to make sure it is working properly and that it will take accurate data during flight. This will involve basic testing of the various sensors as well as testing in simulated conditions similar to those during flight to make sure the HOBO will still function. Maintaining internal temperature is one of the requirements of this project, so it is important that the heater inside the satellite is functional. By placing our satellite into a cooler filled with dry ice, we can simulate the extreme cold that the satellite will experience during flight. With the help of a HOBO temperature sensor, we can record the internal temperature of the satellite to ensure that the heater does not allow the temperature to fall below -10 degrees Celsius, as is stated in the RFP requirements. The final tests we will need to perform involve the durability of the satellite. We do not know exactly how much force will be applied onto the satellite during its ascending period, burst, falling period, and landing, but we want to make sure the satellite is durable and will not Chris Koehler 9/23/11 7:35 PM Comment [14]: This is a very good section. Nice job here. Chris Koehler 9/23/11 7:36 PM Comment [15]: Good. Chris Koehler 9/23/11 7:41 PM Comment [16]: This needs to be well thought out. It might be better to charge a separate battery or simply have a load. Talk to Tim May about this. If you use a battery that is being used for something else you may not be able to determine how much power was being generated. Chris Koehler 9/23/11 7:36 PM Comment [17]: Consider wind tunnel tests or at a minimum, stick it out the window of a moving car test. Need to calibrate your wind and solar cells. Gateway to Space - R3D3 5

6 break easily. Durability can be tested in various different ways. For example, we can attach a string to the satellite and spin it around ourselves at high speeds. This will simulate the satellite being suspended on the flight string and being pulled and spun throughout the flight. The satellite could also be dropped onto a hard surface or rolled down stairs to test the strength of the structure. This will simulate both the forces on the satellite during flight and also upon landing. If any of these tests cause the satellite to break or any of the parts to become dislodged, we will need to either redesign or fortify the satellite to ensure that it will survive the flight. How to Avoid People Getting Hurt Proper protective equipment and procedures shall be used at all times during the creation and testing of the craft. Only those who understand and are comfortable with design and testing will engage in these activities. Those not involved in the procedure will remain a safe distance away and not attempt to engage in the process unless they are required and wearing proper equipment. For example, during soldering, only people comfortable with soldering will solder while wearing protective equipment and doing the correct soldering procedure. All others will not be close enough to be in any danger while the task is being completed. Overall, every team member shall use common sense throughout the semester to ensure complete safety. Special Features: The R3D3 BalloonSat s most prominent unique feature is the propeller that it uses to generate power. It is attached to the top of the satellite and will be attached to a DC generator. Power will be produced from the movement of the satellite, will be measured, and then will be stored in the satellite s batteries. Data Retrieval and Testing Data retrieval will involve having data recorders attached to all systems that require recording. After the data is recorded, we will be able to plug in the recorders to a computer with the proper software. The computer will give us the data we need so we can analyze it. Chris Koehler 9/23/11 7:41 PM Comment [18]: See comment above. Chris Koehler 9/23/11 7:42 PM Comment [19]: You did a great job talking about this in general terms but I want to see that you have actually thought through the data process with your specific mission and hardware. Gateway to Space - R3D3 6

7 Functional Block Diagram Chris Koehler 9/23/11 7:45 PM Comment [20]: Again a bit too small. HOBO has sensors and power. Camera doesn t have a timing circuit. Not sure where that came from. It does have memory. Meeting the RFP Requirements: We began to meet the requirements of this RFP during our first brainstorming session. We looked through the proposal and laid out all of the required aspects of the BalloonSat. We began with the most important aspect of the BalloonSat: The science. After some discussion we came up with an experiment to compare power production through two different methods. Following that discussion, we looked at the additional requirements that the RFP presented and began looking at how to implement them. They each were grouped with their respective subsystems: Science, structure, thermal, construction, and miscellaneous. We then brainstorm on how to best incorporate the requirements into each subsystems design. For example, the requirement to measure altitude is grouped within the science subsystem. We will discuss whether we want to use GPS, an accelerometer, or some other method to determine altitude and the motion of the BalloonSat. We will then continue this brainstorming for each of the remaining requirements. Chris Koehler 9/23/11 7:46 PM Comment [21]: Doesn't really show that you are meeting the requirements with you design and therefore your proposal. Looking for proof that each requirement has been met or covered with your proposal. Management and Cost Overview Team Members Tyler - Team Leader/Integration ( ) - Crosman Room 013 Tyler will be in charge of bringing together the different pieces of the BalloonSat so that it is a functioning device. Greg- C&DH/Software ( ) - Andrews Room E1B24 Greg will be involved in managing the data that comes in from the two power sources. He will work with Nicole to get the programming and electronics functioning. Marisa- Power ( ) - Williams Village North Room 407 Gateway to Space - R3D3 7

8 Marisa will be in charge of helping to manage the budget and make sure that every part needed gets purchased. Devon- Structures ( ) - Aden Room 026 Devon will be in charge of designing and making the structure of the BalloonSat. He will be the one to add walls, stability, and insulation to make the system secure. Nicole- C&DH/Software ( ) - Smith Room E355 Nicole will be in charge of any programming that the BalloonSat needs. She will also set up any wiring that needs to be done. Kate- Science of Propeller ( ) - Brackett Room 126 Kate is in charge of designing the propeller and the system to go along with the propeller. Henk- Science of Panels ( ) - Williams Village North Room 506 Henk will be involved in researching, testing and installing the solar panels for the BalloonSat. He will work with Greg to install the panels and to ensure they will collect and store data as expected. Budget Management Devon is in charge of keeping the budget. Ordering anything will go through him and we will keep a detailed record of everything we buy. We will also keep a list of items we will need to buy so we know we won t go over budget by buying over budget before we have everything we need. Chris Koehler 9/23/11 7:47 PM Comment [22]: Good. Hardware Cost Obtained From Description of Use Weight Foam Core N/A Provided To build the main structure HOBO N/A Provided To measure Temperature/humidity Aluminum Tape N/A Provided To seal around craft and provide structural support Unknown 30 g Unknown Chris Koehler 9/23/11 7:51 PM Comment [23]: No totals given for weight or cost. Chris Koehler 9/23/11 7:52 PM Comment [24]: Should say by who in a proposal. Chris Koehler 9/23/11 7:48 PM Comment [25]: Don t use unknowns in a proposal. Estimate based on your design and an actual measurement of the item. Very easy to do. Xacto Knives N/A Provided Cutting foam core N/A Velcro/Hot Glue N/A Provided Structural bonding Unknown Flight Tube N/A Provided Secure line position Unknown American Flag N/A Provided Craft ID 2 g Camera N/A Provided To Take Photos 130 g Solar Panels $30.00 EcoDIRECT Gather solar energy 24 g Propeller N/A Project Team gather wind energy 100 g Gateway to Space - R3D3 8

9 Arduino Board $20.00 Sparkfun central controller 2 g AA Batteries $8.00 Batteries Plus power storage 46 g Chris Koehler 9/23/11 7:49 PM Comment [26]: Really? Internal Heater N/A Project Team maintain internal heat 100 g Altimeter $60.00 Sparkfun ascent and descent measuring 16 g Dry Ice $10.00 Safeway cooler testing N/A Voltmeters $1.00 Texas Instruments power measurements 1 g DC Generator $25.00 ecrater electricity generator for propeller 30 g 9V Batteries $5.00 Provided power for heaters 40 g Calendar Chris Koehler 9/23/11 7:50 PM Comment [27]: Could be a lot more than this. DATE TIME EVENT 9/15/11 4:30 Team Meeting 9/16/11 (9/18/11) 12:00 (1:00) Proposal Due 9/19/11 (every following Monday) 4:00 Team Meeting 9/20/11 7:00 Presentation Chris Koehler 9/23/11 7:53 PM Comment [28]: Important but not that important to track in a schedule like this. Chris Koehler 9/23/11 7:54 PM Comment [29]: You need to add a lot more detail to your events. Make sure you have all the class deliverables here. Final report, expo, final hardware turn in post flight. 9/26/11 12:00 Design Complete 9/27/11 Appointment (to be set) Homework 4 (order form/aquire hardware) 9/27/11 Before class Homework 6 10/9/11 12:00 Prototyping design complete 10/11/11 Before Class Homework 5 (heater) 10/20/11 12:00 Final design testing complete 10/23/11 12:00 Cold test complete Gateway to Space - R3D3 9

10 10/25/11 Class Pre-Launch Inspection 10/27/11 Class Simulation testing 11/1/11 Class LLR Presentations 11/4/11 2:00 Weigh-In and Turn in 11/5/11 6:50 Launch 11/29/11 7:00 Final Presentation Due 11/29/11 Class Data Due Gateway to Space - R3D3 10