Attitude determination and control system for EyasSAT for Hardware In the Loop application

Date
2014-04
Authors
Groenewald, Christoffel Johannes
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: An Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) demonstrator and testing platform was required for satellite engineering students. The ADCS demonstrator and testing platform will allow students to develop insight into the concepts and challenges of ADCS design and implementation. The existing model nano-satellite EyasSAT was used as a design platform for a new ADCS demonstrator. A new ADCS module (ADCS_V2) was developed to replace the existing EyasSAT ADCS module. The new module allows for three-axis ADCS and the demonstration of the ADCS on an air bearing platform. The air bearing allows full freedom of movement for yaw rotations with limited pitch and roll rotations. The actuators and sensors required for the ADCS were developed and integrated into EyasSAT. In addition a new PCB was designed to form the ADCS_V2 module. Attitude determination algorithms and attitude control algorithms were implemented and tested using MATLAB Simulink simulations. These algorithms were then implemented on the ADCS_V2 module. The ADCS was tested using Hardware In the Loop (HIL) techniques and an air bearing. The yaw attitude of EyasSAT could be controlled within 0.4 degrees accuracy with all the sensors active. In order to stabilize the air bearing platform, the pitch and roll angles were rate controlled. The pitch and roll rates were damped to within 6 mrad/s.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: ’n Oriëntasiebepaling en Beheerstelsel (OBBS) demonstrasie en toets platform was benodig vir satellietingenieurswese studente. Die nuwe OBBS sal studente toelaat om insig te ontwikkel met betreking tot die idees en uitdagings wat verband hou met die ontwikkeling en implementering van ’n OBBS. Die huidige nano-sateliet model EyasSAT was gebruik as ’n ontwerpsbasis vir die nuwe OBBS. Die nuwe OBBS was ontwikkel om die huidige module van EyasSAT te vervang. Die nuwe OBBS laat oriëntasiebepaling en -beheer in drie asse toe. Die nuwe OBBS en EyasSAT kan die werking van ’n OBBS demonstreer op ’n luglaerplatform. Die luglaer laat vrye rotasie om die gierhoek toe terwyl die rol- en stygings-as beperk word. Die aktueerders en sensors wat benodig word vir die OBBS is ontwikkel en geïntegreer in EyasSAT saam met ’n nuwe gedrukte stroombaanbord om die nuwe OBBS te vorm. Orientasiebepaling en orientasiebeheer algoritmes is geïmplementeer en getoets met die hulp van MATLAB Simulink simulasies. Die algoritmes was op die OBBS module geïmplementeer en getoets deur gebruik te maak van HIL tegnieke en praktiese toetse op die luglaer. Die rotasie hoek van EyasSAT kan met ’n akkuraatheid van 0.4 grade beheer word indien al die sensors gebruik word. Die rol en stygingshoeksnelheid was gekanselleer om die luglaer stabiel te hou. Die hoeksnelheid van die twee asse kon tot kleiner as 6 mrad/s beheer word.
Description
Thesis (MEng) Stellenbosch University, 2014
Keywords
Nanosatellites -- Attitude Control Systems, Dissertations -- Electrical and electronic engineering, Attitude Determination and Control System, EyasSAT, Air bearing platform, Hardware-in-the-loop simulation, UCTD
Citation