Research and design of the gravity unloading device for circular solar arrays

Pengfei Li; Ligang Lu; Pengpeng He; Dongbo Wu; Hui Wang

doi:10.1117/12.3030197

5 June 2024 Research and design of the gravity unloading device for circular solar arrays

Pengfei Li, Ligang Lu, Pengpeng He, Dongbo Wu, Hui Wang

Proceedings Volume 13163, Fourth International Conference on Mechanical, Electronics, and Electrical and Automation Control (METMS 2024); 131631B (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3030197
Event: International Conference on Mechanical, Electronics, and Electrical and Automation Control (METMS 2024), 2024, Xi'an, China

Abstract

This study, centered on the deployment process of the circular solar array, investigated the gravity unloading device specific to the array based on its structural characteristics and dynamic properties during deployment. Through a kinematic modeling analysis of the solar array's deployment and considering the impacts of gravity and minute disturbances, a dynamic simulation of the array's deployment was conducted. Given the array's structure and dynamic features during deployment, a top-suspended air bearing permanent magnet constant-force structure was designed, which can achieve smooth and swift tracking of the solar array's three-dimensional deployment motion. A low-disturbance gravity unloading system tailored for the circular solar array was then established, catering both to the vertical deployment and horizontal unfolding of the array. Ground-based microgravity tests for the circular solar array were subsequently conducted. During testing, the system ran smoothly without any stalling or vibrations, effectively achieving gravity unloading for the solar array mechanism. The system met all projected benchmarks, validating both the feasibility of this gravity unloading approach and the structural design's reliability. This research also offers a solution of significant practical value for addressing the gravity unloading challenges associated with future multidimensional space deployment mechanisms.

(2024) Published by SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Citation Download Citation

Pengfei Li, Ligang Lu, Pengpeng He, Dongbo Wu, and Hui Wang "Research and design of the gravity unloading device for circular solar arrays", Proc. SPIE 13163, Fourth International Conference on Mechanical, Electronics, and Electrical and Automation Control (METMS 2024), 131631B (5 June 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3030197

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KEYWORDS

Design

Deformation

Reliability

Magnetism

Structural design

Thin films

Vibration

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