Development of a solar battery orientation robot system for small spacecraft

Possibilities of robotization of an aircraft solar battery orientation system on the basis of a microprocessor are outlined in the paper. Robotization makes it possible to enhance the system’s independence and widen the functionality of its control device. An option of robotization of a solar battery orientation electric drive based on a PIC16F873А microcontroller for small spacecraft is discussed. This implementation of a control device makes possible solar battery orientation to the Sun. It also allows controlling the temperature and illumination of the solar batteries, continuous adjustment of the solar batteries’ capacity at the optimal   point of the current-voltage characteristics, controlling the process of charging and discharging of the battery, controlling voltage stabilization on the power buses and communicating the information about emergencies to the onboard digital computer. Besides, an autonomous mode of operation- a “servo-drive” is implemented in the proposed control system. The results of structural and mathematical modeling of a similar system and its implementation in the form of a physical model are presented. The developed model of a solar battery orientation system makes it possible to analyze the system’s operability in various modes, the integration of its separate elements and units in a laboratory environment and also to make the system operate under the control of a personal computer or off line with a microcontroller program.