3D printed laser communications terminal

At the faculty of Aerospace Engineering, there is a research group focusing on satellite laser communications. This research group set out a project of designing and developing a laser communications terminal. This project was then awarded to a group of 8 students (including me) who set out to complete this within a 3 month period.

A first for this project was the attempt at SLA printing a lens with chosen focal length to be tested in a receiving terminal. Moreover, the design was constrained to be contained within 1U, such that it could (theoretically) fly on the next Delfi mission.

Another challenge was the need to develop a closed-loop control system between a sensing element (photodiode) and a mechanism (fine steering mirror). This warranted the implementation of a PID control system.

Student Team – AeroDelft

The 2023/2024 academic year, I embarked on a journey towards clean skies. Together with a group of 55 students, I am working on a project called AeroDelft. This project aims to "Prove and promote liquid hydrogen as an alternative to conventional aviation fuel".

Gaseous Hydrogen Powertrain

As Chief Engineer of the Gaseous Hydrogen Propulsion department, I was directly responsible for the design and development of all elements leading to and including the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Stack.

Tasks during my term at AeroDelft include the design and selection of the hydrogen storage method, placement of the hydrogen (anode) and air (cathode) loop components into the aircraft.

6795040517167201478test_aerodelft.mp4

The biggest achievement (and challenge) was the first time (ever) testing of the hydrogen powertrain. The purpose of this testing was to get a clearer understanding of the behaviour of the systems connected to and the FCS. Moreover, this meant to prove to AeroDelft that the concept of powering the electromotor on hydrogen was possible.

Although the testing campaign took its toll on the team by lasting a full 2 months, the final goal of achieving power generation in the FCS to spin the propeller was achieved!

Wind Tunnel Test

Another key moment during my time at AeroDelft came in the form of a wind tunnel test at the Open Jet Facility at Delft University of Technology. The goal of this test was to evaluate the performance of the thermal management system and validating the self-made models with CFD and Simulink.

Since the space in the nose of the original aircraft did not suffice for the cooling requirements of the gaseous hydrogen powertrain, an extensive design process came prior to this test. In addition, the cowling had to be manufactured. This provided me with the opportunity to perform my first composite lay-up from mould design to vacuum infusion.

Department

As chief of a department, I was not only responsible for several sub-systems, but I was also in charge of a group of 10 engineers. This put me in the unique position of a managerial role

Design Synthesis Exercise – Navigating the Moon

As a final mark towards obtaining the BSc degree in Aerospace Engineering, all have to complete the Design Synthesis Exercise. Over a period of 10 weeks, a group of 10 students completes a theoretical design on a provided topic.

Navigating the Moon is based on the 'Moonlight' initiative by ESA that aims to become the first off-planet (in this case Lunar) commercial telecoms and satellite navigation provider.

The project ranged from a conceptual exploration phase where many systems engineering documents were prepared and design concepts were created, to the detailed design of a constellation and the satellites present.

My role within the project was that of the Project Manager, challenging me on a more social level. Additionally, I took on the technical roles of Electrical Power System and Thermal Management System Engineer, focusing on both power and signal bus, as well as the thermal needs of a satellite. From these roles I learned all about team composition and synergy.

After completion of the project, we as a team were invited to present our conceptual design at ESA ESTEC in front of a team of engineers working on the 'Moonlight' initiative.

Group22_NavigatingtheMoon_JurySummary_pdf.pdf

Recording of Symposium Presentation 06/2023