Design and Prototyping of a Solar Panel Deployment

and Tracking System for PocketQube Nano-Satellite

Background• Modularised Nano-Satellite, such as the 5cm*5cm*15cm PocketQube,

have great potential, however are restricted by limit energy supply.

• Currently, only fixed solar panels available for PocketQube, for the

bigger Cubesats, the solar panels have no solar tracking feature.

• Our co-operator Alba Orbital (PocketQube Shop), is a Glasgow-

based aerospace start-up and world’s leading developer of PocketQube.

Objective• According to Alba Orbital’s requirement, the system should mount 6

deployable solar panels, and the mass should less than 200 grams.

• Alba Orbital wish to use feasible and verified technologies, to develop a

reliable product for launches in 2016. Therefore a prototype is

encouraged to build if possible. Compact is design is needed.

Result• Mass: 168±5g for the 3D printing ABS edition; 182±5g for the CNC alloy edition. Efficiency: 4 times compare to the fixed method, 5 times with add-on.

University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401

Gimbal Gearbox Design

and Rapid PrototypingVibration AnalysisStructural response spectrum for the panels are

made by Abaqus CAE finite element analysis.

Dynamics Analysis

• Gearbox reduction ratio (all gears in 0.5 mod):

Vertical 10-22 (1:2.2)

Horizontal 8-28=22-80 (1:12.7)

• A custom double crown-spur gear is utilized to

connect the pinion gear and internal gear

compactly, meeting the strict demand of space.

• By comparing the quotes globally, all custom

gears, bearings and high-accuracy 3D printing

structures for the gimbal prototype cost only

£52.7.

Optimisation

Rapid Prototyping

MSc Aerospace Engineering and Management

Presented by: Daizong Li (2101136L)

Supervised by: Dr Patrick Harkness

General Design

Analysis Methods• Trade-off analysis is done to meet the balance

of low weight, larger panel dimension, and

higher efficiency. Cost, manufacturability and

also reliability are considered from the first

phase, as commercial production is expected.

• Optimisation designs and comparisons are

made to continuously improving performance.

• Motion Analysis in both theoretical mechanics

and Solidworks motion analysis are attempted.

• Finite Element Analysis to test the vibration

response and stress analysis of the shaft hinge.