Sistema de Almacenamiento y Gestión de Energía para el micro-satélite μSAT-3

This paper presents the complete Energy Management and Storage System design of the low-earth-orbit μSAT-3 micro-satellite. Firstly, a μSAT-3 general description is performed, detailing its sub-systems and on-orbit mission characteristics. The micro-satellite obtains energy through a set of four high-performance solar panels fixed in its lateral sides. In order to sizing the batteries, the energy required during three consecutive orbital periods without receiving solar radiation is estimated. In the battery design it is suitable to use Li-ion cells of small size and divide the total capacity among a greater number of cells to increase design versatility. Regarding battery charge/discharge protocol, it is proposed a battery cycling between voltage values away from the recommended ends, in order to prolong its cycle life. To conclude, a stand-alone Energy Management System is presented, which optimize available energy and avoid critically low levels.