Improving the Satellite Power Supply Continuity using Flywheel Energy Storage System

Abstract

Recently, Flywheel Energy Storage (FES) systems are gaining significant interest from National Aeronautics and Space Administration Glenn Research Center (NASA's GRC) in satellite applications due to their numerous advantages as an energy storage solution over the rest of the alternatives. Regarding FESS features such as high cycle life, long service life, high efficiency, high energy density and low environmental impact, this paper introduces a FESS management controller for use with the solar PV system in an integrated manner that ensures the continuity of the satellite power system and, thus, increases its efficiency. In addition, a prototype of the management control under various operating modes of the proposed unit is established. The satellite power supply management controller was implemented practically as a model using the Arduino controller. The practical results proved the continuity of the satellite operation in different operating modes using the FES system, which in turn would lead to improving the efficiency of the satellite feeding source compared to its performance using solar PV system only.