The challenges of miniaturisation for a magnetic bearing wheel

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The challenges of miniaturisation for a magnetic bearing wheel

Scharfe, M. / Roschke, T. / Bindl, E. / Blonski, D. / Seiler, R.

Reaction and Momentum wheels have become standard equipment for three-axis attitude control of conventional satellite classes like those used for telecommunication and remote sensing missions. Owing to very compact mechanical designs and highly integrated electronics, wheels are now also more and more interesting for small satellites in the mass range up to about 200 kg with increasingly demanding requirements on attitude control. In this context, the development of a miniature wheel with a magnetic bearing is discussed. The presented design offers a favourable compromise between complexity and the benefits of magnetic bearings. Currently, a first prototype wheel is being assembled and will betested soon. The development has demonstrated that magnetic bearing technology can be adequately miniaturised and has the potential to be used on small and micro-satellites. The obtained simulation results allow very promising predictions for the performance of the hardware. Nevertheless, there might be some problems with flux coupling effects, which can probably be overcome by amore sophisticated design in the future. For a possible later qualification model, the electronics will have to be integrated into the overall design, together with an appropriate launch locking device. Furthermore, the electronics could be upgraded with an integrated micro-controller for motor communication and speed control. Possibly, digital control could also be considered for the magnetic bearing.