Flywheel Control and Monitoring (FlyCAM)

A storage system of any kind is useless without a control interface. Our user-friendly design allows for precise control of Idaho's Flywheel Energy Storage System. Additionally, it provides intuitive monitoring of the Flywheel's performance.

Background
One of the problems a potential lunar mission faces is energy generation and storage. Solar and nuclear power generation are both options, but they have their complications. During the 14 Earth-day lunar night, solar energy is not available. During the equally long lunar day, nuclear power generation would have to decrease due to heat. At lunar dawn and dusk, neither method would be able to produce much power. As a result, an efficient energy storage system is needed. To accomplish this, the University of Idaho has proposed the idea of using a Flywheel Energy Storage System, which has a higher energy density and longer lifespan than other options.

Problem Statement
While the Fly Rollers senior design team works to complete the Flywheel test setup and develop the embedded system to control it, there is currently no way to for a user to control or monitor the operations of the flywheel.

Goal
We set out to develop an intuitive interface for the Flywheel Energy Storage System. Our interface will allow precise control of the Flywheel while displaying it status and reporting any errors.

Implementation
The GUI is written using the QT Framework. This allows for rapid development while being flexible. The interface's primary target operating system is Microsoft Windows, however QT is multi-platform allowing for expanded operating system support in the future. The QT serial library will be used to communicate with the Flywheel's primary microcontroller facilitating control and monitoring of the Flywheel's operating parameters.

Testing
We plan to thoroughly test our software, as unexpected behavior could result in catastrophic consequences.

Mockups
Mockups and Designs of the interface of FlyCam will be listed here. Below are pictures of the designs with dates, showing the evolution of the design.

Prototypes
Prototypes of the interface of FlyCam will be listed here. Below are pictures of the designs with dates, showing the evolution of the design.

FlyCam Members Group Photo


Group photo of the members of team FlyCam taken after a team meeting.

Documents

 * [[Media:2016-client-interview-flycam.pdf|Client Interview]]
 * [[Media:2016-tech-spec-flycam.pdf|Technical Specifications]]
 * [[Media:2016-api-spec-flycam.pdf|Application Program Interface Specifications]]
 * [[Media:2016-uart-temp-flycam.pdf|UART Commands Template]]

Deprecated Documents

 * [[Media:2016-uart-temp-flycam_deprecated.pdf|Deprecated - UART Commands Template]]

Meeting Notes

 * [[Media:2016-meeting-01-notes-flycam.pdf|Meeting 01: 01-21-2016]]
 * [[Media:2016-meeting-02-notes-flycam.pdf|Meeting 02: 01-26-2016]]
 * [[Media:2016-meeting-03-notes-flycam.pdf|Meeting 03: 01-28-2016]]
 * [[Media:2016-meeting-04-notes-flycam.pdf|Meeting 04: 02-04-2016]]
 * [[Media:2016-meeting-05-notes-flycam.pdf|Meeting 05: 02-11-2016]]
 * [[Media:2016-meeting-06-notes-flycam.pdf|Meeting 06: 02-18-2016]]
 * [[Media:2016-meeting-07-notes-flycam.pdf|Meeting 07: 02-25-2016]]
 * [[Media:2016-meeting-08-notes-flycam.pdf|Meeting 08: 03-03-2016]]
 * [[Media:2016-meeting-09-notes-flycam.pdf|Meeting 09: 03-10-2016]]
 * [[Media:2016-meeting-10-notes-flycam.pdf|Meeting 10: 03-17-2016]]
 * [[Media:2016-meeting-11-notes-flycam.pdf|Meeting 11: 03-31-2016]]
 * [[Media:2016-meeting-12-notes-flycam.pdf|Meeting 12: 04-07-2016]]