Work

Modular Multifunctional Composite Structure for CubeSat Applications: Embedded Battery Prototype Thermal Analysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The present work aims to develop the current CubeSats architecture. Starting from the framework of project ARAMIS (an Italian acronym for a highly modular architecture for satellite infrastructures), a new concept of smart tiles has been developed, employing multifunctional structures and lightweight, composite materials. This enables increased CubeSat mass efficiency and payload volume. An embedded battery tile has been designed, built, and tested from a vibration point of view. In the present work, the LiPo batteries selected for the prototype have been tested with the HPPC testing procedure, to extract their equivalent Randles circuit parameters. Thus, the thermal power dissipation from the batteries can be estimated. With these data, Thermal Desktop simulations of a representative ARAMIS CubeSat are performed, considering LEO orbit and hot/cold cases. Firstly, a parametric analysis was conducted to evaluate the thermal behaviors of various design alternatives. A suitable configuration for the CubeSat was then found, enabling the validation of the embedded battery tile from a thermal point of view. The final configuration includes heaters for the LiPo batteries, a commercial CubeSat skeleton made in aluminum alloy, and a top coating for smart tiles with proper solar absorptivity.

Source: Batteries

DOI: 10.3390/batteries11050172

Authors: Giorgio Capovilla, Enrico Cestino, Leonardo Reyneri, Federico Valpiani

Institution: Politecnico di Torino

Language: English

Topic: Spacecraft Design and Technology

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258