Design and Simulation of Small Satellite Power System in Simulink/Matlab for Preliminary Performance Estimation

This paper presents the design and simulation of Power Subsystem of small satellites using Simulink/Matlab. It includes the models of solar cell array, DC/DC converters, battery charge/discharge controller, power control distribution unit and load. The results of solar cell model are compared with the IV characteristics of Spectrolab GaAs solar cells datasheet and satisfactory match is obtained between the two. These simulations include the different modes of operation of the power system in an orbit cycle. The complete model is simulated for 100 minutes of sun-synchronous orbit including eclipse period of 35 minutes. This model lends itself not only for easy analytical manipulations, but it is also useful for determining which types of solar cells, batteries and loads can be successfully combined.