Simulation and analysis of Stellenbosch University satellite (SUNSAT) power system

The University of Stellenbosch is currently developing a low Earth orbit (LEO) microsatellite for communication and mapping purposes. Since this will be the first South-African-developed experimental satellite, the project will also be used to gain new technology for future aerospace and satellite applications. The authors discuss the power system requirements and propose solutions for the power system design on board the satellite. They discusss the simulation and analysis of the power system requirements of the orbiting satellite. Power electronic converters to be used will include maximum power point tracking, battery regulation, bus regulation, and distributed power conversion. The specification and designs of key components, i.e., the solar panels, battery, and regulators, are evaluated against the system requirements during a typical flight path. These simulations include all the different modes of operation of the power system in an orbit cycle.