06e team proposal - 2011 graded - spacegrant.colorado.edu€¦ · this would mean the solar panels...

Project Helios Project Helios

C a l d e r L a n e ,

C o u r t n e y B a l l a r d ,

T h o m a s G r e e n ,

J a n e l l e M o n t o y a ,

M a t t C i r b o ,

I a n T h o m

Team Six-‐Pack Proposal for a design to fulfill requirements given by the BalloonSat Missions to the Edge of Space Request for Proposal, #RFP 2500F11, put forward by the Colorado Space Grant and the Gateway to Space class.

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 4:15 PMComment [1]: Interesting project proposal. I think you need to do a little more research on this and consider the affects of misalignment between transmit and receive boxes. See more comments below.

Project Helios

1 Team Six-‐Pack

Mission Statement:

The mission for Project Helios is to design, build, test and launch a balloon satellite. Said satellite will record data on the efficiency of transmitting energy collected with solar panels via a laser as the satellite reaches increasing altitudes and passes through different atmospheric layers. The satellite will reach near-space, survive the descent from near-space and be in retrievable condition for data analysis. In addition, the balloon satellite will collect temperature data and have an onboard camera to take pictures during flight.

Mission Overview:

For all of its existence, the Sun has provided energy to the planet Earth, fueling life thereupon. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants have transformed the energy from the Sun into fuel. This energy is easily enough to power human electronics, and with photovoltaic cells, we can harness this energy. The Earth receives approximately 1367.7 W/m² from the Sun. This value is known as the mean solar constant, the average amount of energy received by Earth from the Sun outside its atmosphere.[1] However, some of that energy is lost reaching the surface of the planet. Some light is absorbed and reflected by water and other molecules in the air, heating our atmosphere but reducing the energy available to ground level solar panels.[2] Also, most wavelengths are not used by solar cells. However, as one increases their distance from the surface of the Earth, entering thinner areas of atmosphere, more sunlight of all wavelengths will be present and more useable photons would hit the solar panels. This would mean the solar panels could produce more energy, being more effective than their counterparts on the surface of Earth. However, there needs to be a method to return this energy to the ground in order to be utilized. This is what our balloon satellite, Helios, will be testing.

Helios will travel to a height of approximately 100,000 feet, or about 30 km, where it will be well into the stratosphere. The amount of photons of useable wavelengths will increase, providing more energy to the solar cells. With this increase in energy collected, we will then charge a battery which powers a laser. This laser will beam the energy to a second balloon satellite structure, where we will measure the power received by another solar panel with a filter, so it receives solely the wavelength of light our laser emits. This experiment will show whether this method of transfer is plausible and potentially how efficient it is.

This is a significant experiment for the scientific community as it can provide insight into the possibility of orbital solar panels. If the energy return is successful, large quantities of paneling could be launched into orbit. Using the panels to collect energy from the space around Earth, the energy could be beamed back to Earth and provide clean energy to the population of Earth. This experiment is primarily a test for our transfer system, but will also show how much energy is gathered higher in the atmosphere as well as effects that may disrupt the transfer, such as temperature or air composition. Though the beam will be travelling a short distance, this will show whether or not collection and transfer of energy is efficient and effective.

1] http://www.eumetcal.org/euromet/english/satmet/s2710/s2710004.htm 2] http://almashriq.hiof.no/lebanon/600/610/614/solar-water/unesco/21-23.html

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:22 PMComment [2]: Is this a possible way to transmit generated power?

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:22 PMComment [3]: Nice job with this mission background.

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:24 PMComment [4]: Cool idea but would need to be tested on the ground and you need a source to support your theory.

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:25 PMComment [5]: This why my first thought when I read your Mission Statement.

Project Helios

2 Team Six-‐Pack

Technical Overview:

In order the transmit energy wirelessly between two satellites, several instruments and special design features will be integrated into Helios. They shall be integrated individually into the structure of Helios. By preventing a system from being solely dependent upon another, the risks of satellite wide failure can be mitigated. The satellite’s photo imaging system (Canon SD780 IS), its onboard storage, and software will operate independently of other systems, and the HOBO sensor will operate autonomously, guaranteeing accurate temperature data and imagery in the event of system failure. Sufficient wattage to power the transmission system will be achieved using three high grade solar cells of uniform area. These solar cells will be attached to the structure using hard points on the satellite and will be integrated into the structure to assure attachment throughout flight. The cells will be wired together and regulated by several resistors, a volt regulator and a battery. The battery will then output a constant stream of electrons that will power the 50mw 650nm laser beam. Red Light filter on the top of the receiving satellite will deflect most of the sunlight. A smaller receiver satellite will contain a photovoltaic panel which will convert the photons back in to electricity. A voltmeter will route the raw data produced by the cell to an Arduino microprocessor through its visual output. The circuit will process the data at constant intervals and store it in real time. The data will be stored in numerical form, 8 bits per character, on the Duemilanove ATmega2560 and its onboard 256 kilobytes of memory. In addition to intelligent design optimizing radiant heat, an onboard heater will be used, drawing power from two 9 volt lithium batteries. This will insure the continued operation of the satellite. The structure of the satellite will be supported by a cross pipe, two figure eight knots and a paper clip. The follow satellite will be attached to the flight line and be reinforced with a carbon fiber rod. This will ensure its continued attachment to the main satellite.

Data Retrieval:

The lower box of Helios will contain a Duemilanove ATmega2560 microcontroller to record the watt-hour output over time from the solar cell on the lower box. This data will be taken by recording the voltage reading from a voltmeter at frequent time-intervals and then be logged and stored for later collection on the flash memory of the microcontroller. Photos that the Canon SD780 IS digital camera takes will be saved to the SD card inside the camera. Data from the microcontroller, the camera, and the HOBO datalogger will be uploaded to a computer after retrieval of Helios. After said upload, the power output data will be compared to the known power output of the laser. Through this comparison the efficiency of wireless transfer of energy by lasers can be determined.

Special Features:

Measuring solar efficiency presents one big problem, the movement of the Sun. By orienting the satellite on its vertex and using a hexagon to support the internal mechanisms, this problem can be minimized. Instead of exposing an uneven amount of solar cells to the Sun, the diagonal orientation of the satellite negates the effects of solar movement. This satellite will also integrate two separate flight modules, to test the system over a significant distance, which is the first step toward transmitting power back to the surface of the Earth. A high quality lens will be used to diffuse the laser to a beam wide enough to generate significant power.

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:45 PMComment [6]: Not a bad section but would like more details on how you can transmit power via a laser and then how you convert it back into power on the other end.

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:26 PMComment [7]: To?

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:28 PMComment [8]: Voltage?

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:31 PMComment [9]: Above or below laser satellite?

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:29 PMComment [10]: Wow. Would love to see the radiation model.

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:30 PMComment [11]: Should be 3.

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:30 PMComment [12]: What?

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:42 PMComment [13]: I want to make sure you have thought through all the steps to retrieving your data.

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:33 PMComment [14]: I am confused by the use of Lower box twice in the same sentence.

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:33 PMComment [15]: You must take into account the alignment of the receiver and transmission boxes.

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:38 PMComment [16]: Not sure you have convinced me.

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:48 PMComment [17]: This doesn’t make sense to me. Never mind, I think I get it now.

Project Helios

3 Team Six-‐Pack

Foam Core Structure 3 Solar Panels

Filter

Heater Solar Panel Arduino Microprocessor

Canon SD780 IS HOBO Datalogger Two 9-volt Batteries Volt/Ammeter

Top Structure

Bottom Structure

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:37 PMComment [18]: Nice pictures. Would like to see dimensions of Bottom Structure. Would also like to see laser called out and an integrated picture of the two boxes on the string with the required distance between them. BalloonSat string tube should be called out.

Project Helios

4 Team Six-‐Pack

Hardware:

For this project we will need several components. We will require: 4 solar cells (three of uniform area, one of smaller area), a 50 mw laser, carbon fiber tubes, a HOBO data logger, A Watt’s Up Volt/Ammeter, A Canon SD780 IS, a red pass filter, an Arduino mega 2560, an onboard heater, batteries of various voltages and some laser driver components. Between these components, various forms of electric regulation must be installed. Besides this, most of the components will be compatible right away. Aside from these items, the structure of foam core and pipe as well as aluminum tape will be used

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:41 PMComment [19]: Should be 3 batteries for heater plus a switch. Power for heater and Laser should be separate boxes. HOBO has power and sensors that should be shown. Camera has memory card and battery that is rechargeable plus it will need a switch. Memory and power for the arduino? More than one panel not shown. Switch for arduino and/or laser?

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:43 PMComment [20]: Glue sticks too.

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:44 PMComment [21]: Any idea what you are talking about?

Project Helios

5 Team Six-‐Pack

Testing:

Helios must undergo several types of tests preflight in order to confirm all areas function correctly. The first set of tests that we will conduct on our balloon satellite tests the structure. During all of these tests we will simulate the weight of our satellite when all of the hardware is placed inside. The first structural test is the drop test. The satellite with the simulated weigh will be dropped from a height of 20m to test if it is capable of withstanding the impact from landing. The second test that will be conducted is the whip test. For this test a string will be strung through the flight cord piping. Then the string and satellite will be swung around in circles to simulate the forces it will experience during burst and reentry. This will inform us whether or not the structure of the satellite is sturdy enough to withstand burst and remain on the string as it falls back to Earth. The third and final structural test is the rolling test. Helios will be rolled down a flight of stairs to test the overall strength of the structure and to see if it can survive being dragged along the ground during landing.

Another test we will conduct is the cooler test. In this test Helios will be active and placed into a cooler filled with dry ice. It will remain there for approximately two hours; simulating the environment that it will experience during its trip to near space. Then we will remove the satellite from the cooler and make sure the systems are all still functioning correctly.

The rest of the tests are mission simulation tests, where the components of our scientific payload will be tested. The first of these tests is on the solar panels. We will shine a determined amount of light at each solar panel individually to test and see that each one is producing the correct amount of energy. Next, we will ensure that the laser works on the solar energy that is collected. To test this we will have to take the solar panel-laser system and expose it to the Sun and test to see if the laser is producing light. We will also test to make sure the HOBO is measuring and recording data correctly as well as the functionality of the camera. The final mission simulation test that we will need to conduct is to confirm that the laser is able to transmit energy into the solar panel below. To do this we will need to direct the laser toward the solar panel, having it pass through the filter placed over the panel and confirm the panel is collecting energy from the beam.

Safety:

Safety will be a high priority for our team during all stages of our experiment. While we are constructing the structure our satellite we will we will wear safety goggles and gloves when they are needed. We will also use extreme caution while using Exacto knifes to cut though material to ensure that no one is injured. If someone on our team needs to use any form of machinery they must be properly trained before using it. During the drop test we will ensure that the drop zone is clear. For the rolling test we will ensure that no one is on the stairs or has the possibility of being hit once the satellite reaches the bottom of the stairs. For the whip test we will make sure the person swinging the string has a lot of free space in case the string accidently snaps. We will always make sure there is more than one person from our group at the location that the test is being conducted. We will also need to make sure not the shine the laser in anyone’s eyes. During the launching of the satellite we will make sure everyone except the person holding our satellite is a good distance away and will not be hit by the string. Throughout our entire experiment we will all make sure to use common sense about everything we do.

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:49 PMComment [22]: OK testing write up.

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:47 PMComment [23]: Weight?

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 3:52 PMComment [24]: I am still worried that you will get an incorrect picture of the amount of laser light hitting the receive box due to the transmit box being misaligned with the receive box. This sort of alignment test should be added.

Project Helios

6 Team Six-‐Pack

General Mission Requirements:

1. Design shall collect data on the effectiveness and efficiency of laser transfer of energy. 2. Design shall be composed of two separate structures, one diamond prism as the main structure,

the other a rectangular box. 3. The solar cells shall be located on 3 sides of the diamond structure to negate the effects of solar

movement. 4. The second structure shall be attached to the flight string approximately 5 feet beneath the main

structure, and reinforced with carbon fiber rods. 5. Design shall beam the solar energy acquired by the solar cells to the second structure in the form

of a slightly unfocused 50 mW, 650 nm red laser. 6. A filter shall be located on the second structure to focus the laser light and convert into power. 7. Design of the lower box shall include and Arduino Duemilanove AT MEGA 2560

microprocessor to record the watt output over time of the solar cell from the structure above. 8. Team shall acquire data concerning ascent and descent rates using information from the GPS

attached to the flight string. 9. Design shall collect data for analysis after the satellite and data are retrieved. 10. Design shall image the Earth during flight and record internal and external temperature. 11. Design of the main structure shall include HOBO H08-004-02. 12. Design of the main structure shall include Canon SD780 IS 18x55x88mm inside payload. 13. Design of both structures shall include a hole through the center of gravity to feed the flight string

through the experiments and attach them to the balloon. 14. Design shall include black foam insulation and an active heater system to control the internal

temperature of the payload. 15. Design structures shall be composed mainly of foam core. 16. Design shall include contact information and a United States flag decal on the external structure. 17. Design shall include external switches to activate the Balloon Sat power system immediately

before launch. 18. All team members shall construct the design safely and cautiously due to standard

electrical/power system safety hazards. 19. Total weight of the payload shall not exceed 850 g. 20. The center of gravity for the payload shall be located as close to the balloon flight string tube as

possible. 21. Structural, environmental, and functional testing shall be conducted to demonstrate containment

and survivability of contents (includes whip, drop, stair pitch, cooler and mission simulation test). 22. All hardware that is property of Gateway to Space shall be returned in working order at the end of

the semester. 23. Team members shall have fun and be as creative as humanly possible throughout this project. 24. The team shall keep a detailed budget and return receipts to Professor Koehler within 48 hours of

purchase. 25. Design shall be tested and completed/finalized by the final weigh-in.

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 4:02 PMComment [25]: I think you missed the point of this part of the proposal. You should show how you are meeting all the requirements in the RFP with your design and document them in the proposal.

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 4:01 PMComment [26]: These don’t match the requirement order of the RFP. Was that your intention?

Project Helios

7 Team Six-‐Pack

Schedule: Date Time Task: Due Fri 9/9 4:00 PM -HW 03 Sun 9/11 3:30 PM -Project decision

- Distribution of proposal responsibilities

Tues 9/13 9:30 AM -Unification and editing of proposal rough draft -Proposal questions -Discuss date for ITLL shop certification

Th 9/15 1:30 PM -Finalization of project proposal for turn-in, Assign specializations -HW 04, CoDR Slides

Fri 9/16 12:00 PM -Turn in project proposal to Prof. Koehler Proposal Fri9/6 1:30 PM -Unification of CoDR Presentation Final Draft.

-Assign presentation speaker order/run through pres.

Th 9/22 1:30 PM -Finalize HW 04 -HW 06

Tues 9/27 11-4 PM (By appt.)

-Meet with Prof. Koehler to order hardware and turn in HW 04 -Distribute responsibilities for CoDR after appointment

HW 06 (Before class) HW 04 (At appt.)

Th 9/29 1:30 PM -HW 05 (Due 10/11) -DD Rev A/B

Tues 10/4 9:30 AM -Pre-Critical Design Review (pCDR) DD Rev A/B Th 10/6 9:30 AM -pCDR

-Teams 6-10

Th 10/6 1:30 PM -Begin construction Sun 10/9 3:30 PM -Construction (cont.) Th 10/13 1:30 PM -Complete prototyping design

-DD Rev C

Th 10/20 1:30 PM -Complete cold test -LRR Presentation

Tues 10/25 9:30 AM -Pre-Launch Inspection (Bring all hardware) Th 10/27 9:30 AM -In-Class Mission Simulation Test (Bring BalloonSat) Th 10/27 1:30 PM -Finish LRR Presentation Tues 11/1 9:30 AM -Launch Readiness Review (LRR) LRR Pres. and DD

Rev C 7AM Th 11/3 1:30 PM -Design Review

-LRR Cards

Fri 11/4 8-1 PM (By appt.)

-Final Weigh-in and Turn In BalloonSat BalloonSat DLC 270A & LRR Cards

Sat 11/5 4:45 AM -LAUNCH DAY Th 11/10 1:30 PM -Data Analysis, Begin DD Rev D Th 11/17 1:30 PM -Final Presentation, Assign speaking roles Th 11/24 1:30 PM -Finalize Final Presentation/run through pres.

-Finish DD Rev D

Tues 11/29 & Th 12/1

9:30 AM -Final presentations and reports Final Pres (11/29 @ 7 AM)

Sat 12/3 9-4PM -Design Expo DD Rev D, Team Vids Tues 12/6 9:30 AM -Hardware Turn-In

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 4:04 PMComment [27]: Times are not that important with this type of schedule, at least with most tasks. What about regular team meetings? You should have more details on your schedule related to build and test.

Project Helios

8 Team Six-‐Pack

Budget:

Item Cost Weight Provided by/ Bought from:

HOBO Data Logger N/A 30 grams Gateway to Space class Foam Core N/A 50 grams Gateway to Space class Canon SD780 IS N/A 130 grams Gateway to Space class Heater N/A 100 grams Gateway to Space class Flight/ Test batteries Some provided and

some purchased as necessary

100 grams Gateway to Space class or bought from a convenience store.

Flight tube N/A 10 grams Gateway to Space class Aluminum Tape N/A 10 grams Gateway to Space class Switches N/A 20 grams Gateway to Space class Arduino Mega 2560 $58.95 40 grams Sparkfun electronics Solar Cells (4) $59.96 30 grams Online * 50mW 650 nm $17.24 140 grams Online * Carbon Tubing $50.00 60 grams Online * Volt/Ammeter Combo $59.95 48 grams RC-Electronics-usa.com Total $246.10 768 grams

* Do not know exact location and are still searching for the best product.

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 4:08 PMComment [28]: You are forgetting dry ice and should add something specific for batteries.

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 4:05 PMComment [29]: Would rather you say “provided” because there is an actual cost.

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 4:05 PMComment [30]: This seems low.

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 4:06 PMComment [31]: Low. How did you estimate these weights?

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 4:07 PMComment [32]: You should plan on extras as they are easy to break, depending on the style you order.

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 4:06 PMComment [33]: What is this for?

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 4:07 PMComment [34]: Not a lot of margin. Have estimated tax and shipping?

Project Helios

9 Team Six-‐Pack

Brief Team Summary:

• Calder Lane was born in Pirmasens, Germany on March 2nd, 1994. He is currently a freshman majoring in Aerospace Engineering. He dreams of working on advanced propulsion for space exploration.

• Courtney Ballard was born in Longmont, Colorado on April 10th, 1993. She is currently a freshman majoring in Aerospace Engineering. She dreams of going to Mars.

• Thomas Green was born in Boulder, Colorado on December 14th, 1992. He is currently a freshman majoring in Aerospace Engineering. He dreams of being rich enough to have a pool of Jell-O and a butler named Jeeves.

• Matt Cirbo was born in Boulder, Colorado on December 3rd, 1992. He is currently a freshman majoring in Aerospace Engineering. He dreams of becoming the first Jedi master of the Academy.

• Ian Thom was born in Fallon, Nevada on August 26th, 1993. He is currently a freshman majoring in Aerospace Engineering. He dreams of becoming a hermit living in the mountains.

• Janelle Montoya was born in Pueblo, Colorado on April 21st, 1993. She is currently a freshman majoring in Aerospace Engineering. She dreams of working at NASA.

Name Contact Info Position Calder Lane

702-416-8862 [email protected]

Team Leader Structures

Courtney Ballard


Thermal

Thomas Green


Electrical

Matthew Cirbo


Programming

Ian Thom


Science

Janelle Montoya


Management and Safety

Chris Koehler� 9/24/11 4:10 PMComment [35]: Everyone should have a secondary position.

06e team proposal - 2011 graded - spacegrant.colorado.edu€¦ · this would mean the solar panels...

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