Microcontroller-based intelligent power management system (IPDMS) for satellite application

Efficient power distribution management is very crucial for satellites to navigate their orbits and achieve their mission objectives. The Satellite Electrical Power Subsystem (EPS) is responsible for power supply in satellites for housekeeping operations. This research project is aimed at the design of a microcontroller-based Intelligent Power Distribution Management System (IPDMS) for application in the efficient coordination of power savings and distribution to satellite system payloads. In the IPDMS design, 8-bits microcontroller was used to implement system intelligence. In addition, Java Programming Language was used to achieve a simulation model for virtual test for system reliability and efficiency. The IPDMS provided intelligence for real-time power storage. It managed power distribution through load shedding and power-cycling and actuated fault protection mechanism in the events of power emergencies very quickly and autonomously during eclipse and sunlight orbit periods. It monitored the battery temperature threshold levels to control destructive exothermic reaction. The IPDMS achieved an improvement over the conventional satellite power management and control systems in terms of system’s size reduction, self-contained intelligence, flexibility and improved system response to power emergencies.