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Low Altitude Balloon Experiment: Advanced Technology Project

Join the LABET team in designing a cutting-edge blimp platform for research and outreach events. Explore the project plan, subsystem designs, lessons learned, and more in this detailed overview. Discover the challenges faced and innovative solutions implemented in this interdisciplinary endeavor.

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Low Altitude Balloon Experiment: Advanced Technology Project

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Low Altitude Balloon Experiment in Technology (LABET) Group Members Mike Svendsen – Computer Engineer Steve Towey – Computer Engineer Brian Walker – Architect Richard George – Industrial Technology Client – ISU Space Systems and Control Lab (SSCL) Advisor – Matt Nelson

  2. Overview • Client Statement of Need • Project Requirements and Deliverables • Project Plan • Subsystem Designs & Implementations • Testing • Lessons Learned

  3. Client Statement of Need • The SSCL desires a blimp platform for research and outreach events.  • The need is to have an outdoor blimp platform capable of carrying a small payload and able to navigate in calm to light winds.

  4. Requirements • Functional Requirements • Vertical lift -500 feet • Wireless control - 1500 feet • Carry 7 ounce payload • Fly time of 20+ minutes • Sensor to determine position • Operating Environment • Outdoors • Winds up to 10mph • Humidity up to 90% • Non-Functional • Durable and reusable design • Controlled via computer interface • Positional data displayed on computer

  5. Project Deliverables • Complete balloon system meeting requirements • Operating manuals • Detailed design documentation

  6. Project Plan • Work Breakdown • Mike and Steve responsible for electronic components • Brian and Richard for non electronic components • Task Breakdown • Gantt Chart

  7. Communication / Collaboration • Weekly meetings with team and advisor (client) • At least a weekly meeting with just electronics team • Frequent meetings in lab for implementation • Used Dropbox to facilitate SVN like role • Used GoogleDocs to facilitate sharing of information

  8. Costs

  9. System Overview

  10. Balloon Design • Hybrid Latex Blimp System

  11. Balloon Implementation • Initial implementation • Struggled to achieve lift • Weight calculation inaccuracies • Propellers not performing as specified • Redesign • Remove stiffeners • Remove latex balloons • Increase to 2 mil plastic

  12. Frame Design • Cross Foam Core Load Frame • Rigid material yet light, inexpensive • Bass wood for motor mounts • Propeller shrouds • System box

  13. Frame Implementation • Difficulties attaching balloon around electronics box • Shortened weight distributors • Propellers not exact specified length, did not fit in vertical shroud • Slightly trim propeller tips

  14. Propulsion Design • Weight constraint • Battery life requirement • 10 mph wind requirement Battery Life Calculations Thrust Calculations

  15. Propulsion Implementation • Mount motors • Attach propellers securely • Attach easy to use bullet connectors • Attach Deans plugs • Connect motors to Electronic Speed Controllers

  16. Circuit Design • Compile list of sensors • Select specific sensor • Consider cost, voltage, accuracy • Select processor capable of handling inputs

  17. Circuit Implementation • Package types • ESCs raising voltage • Solution – Diode • Voltage drop during XBee Transmission • Clean signal off of regulator pin • Breadboard potential issue

  18. Onboard Control Logic Design

  19. Onboard Control Implementation • Implemented each sensor separately • Xbee • ADC (gyro) • I2C (compass, pressure) • GPS • Timers (ESCs) • Simple, flexible message format • Dealing with limited program space

  20. Base Station Design • C++ on Linux

  21. Base Station Implementation • Writing KML Files • Implementing OpenGL GUI • Serial communication • Thread interaction

  22. Testing Approach

  23. Important Tests • Individual module tests • System lift • Base station and onboard system interaction • Assembly tests • Battery Life • Communication Range • Indoor test flights (Uncooperative weather recently) • Tests not carried out • Outdoor tests – Fight winds

  24. Lessons Learned • Skills • Basics of constructing practical circuits • Basics of PIC Programming • Be flexible - hold up in one area, work on another • Test changes one at a time to isolate unknowns • Budget enough time for documentation • Interdisciplinary team

  25. Questions?

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