Project-based learning applied to spacecraft power systems: a long-term engineering and educational program at UPM University

Abstract

The IDR/UPM Institute is the research center responsible for the Master in Space Systems (MUSE) of Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM). This is a 2-year (120 ECTS) master's degree focused on space technology. The UPMSat-2 satellite program has become an excellent educational framework in which the academic contents of the master are trained through project-based learning and following a multidisciplinary approach. In the present work, the educational projects developed and carried out in relation to spacecraft power systems at the IDR/UPM Institute are described. These projects are currently being developed in the framework represented by the aforementioned MUSE master's program and UPMSat-2.

Assessment of Explicit Models for Different Photovoltaic Technologies

“…Parameters from Akbaba and Alattawi's explicit model (Equation (4)), fitted to the I-V curves for the photovoltaic devices studied (see Table 1). The fittings were performed numerically (Best fit), and using the proposed method (Equations (6), (10), and (11) Table 4. Parameters from El-Tayyan's explicit model Equation (12), fitted to the I-V curves for the photovoltaic devices studied (see Table 1).…”

“…In these cases, the use of an appropriate explicit expression might be the best option. This need was detected while programming the power subsystem module at ESA's Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) for the predesign of space missions at Instituto Universitario de Microgravedad "Ignacio Da Riva" (IDR/UPM), apart from other needs arising from academic and research work on space power systems at this institution [11][12][13]. Additionally, machine learning has become one of the most promising methodologies for performing performance prediction [14,15] and fault diagnosis [16][17][18][19] for solar energy systems.…”

Design and Development of a 5-Channel Arduino-Based Data Acquisition System (ABDAS) for Experimental Aerodynamics Research

“…The common work at the IDR/UPM Institute, related to experimental aerodynamics [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ], cup anemometer calibration and behavior characterization [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ], space components analysis (batteries, solar panels, control systems) [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ], and space thermal analysis [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ], has driven the development of the 5-channel Arduino-Based Data Acquisition System (ABDAS) described in the present paper. The purpose of this development is to have a simple but accurate multi-purpose 10–500 Hz sampling rate voltage-data acquisition system capable of being used in different measurement problems from measuring temperatures with thermocouples to wind-tunnel pitot-tube pressure signals.…”

“…In the present paper, the design, development and test verification of a new Arduino-Based Data Acquisition System (ABDAS) for its use in an experimental aerodynamics research facility is described. In addition, other possible uses as instrumentation for lab testing students’ training at different subjects (power systems, vibration analysis, thermal control …) from the Master in Space Systems, are considered [ 28 , 68 , 69 ].…”

Lithium-ion battery performance modeling based on the energy discharge level

“…After this testing, our research group decided to study the energy discharge level as the primary variable to analyze Li-ion battery performance. The UPMSat-2 battery is a space-qualified 18 A • h Li-ion battery manufactured by S AFT Batteries (more information on the mission can be found in [5][6][7]).…”