Comparing fluid ring and CMG servomechanisms for active control of rigid satellites

Purpose This paper aims to describe a novel type of attitude control system (ACS) in different configurations. This servomechanism is compared with control moment gyro (CMG) in significant parameters of performance for ACS of rigid satellite. Design/methodology/approach This new actuator is the fluid containing one or more rings and fluid flow is supplied by pump. The required torque control is obtained by managing fluid angular velocity. The cube-shaped satellite with three rings of fluid in the principle axes is considered for modeling. The satellite is considered rigid and nonlinear dynamics equation is used for it. In addition, the failure of the pyramid-shaped satellite with an additional ring fluid is discussed. Findings The controller model for four fluid rings has more complexity than for three fluid rings. The simulation results illustrated that four fluid rings need less energy for stabilization than three fluid rings. The performance of this type of actuator is compared with CMG. At last, it is demonstrated that performance parameters are improved with fluid ring actuator. Research limitations/implications Fluid ring actuator can be affected by environmental pressure and temperature. Therefore, freezing and boiling temperature of the fluid should be considered in system designation. Practical implications Fluid ring servomechanism can be used as ACS in rigid satellites. This actuator is compared by CMG, the prevalent actuator. It has less displacement attitude maneuver. Originality/value The results provide the feasibility and advantages of using fluid rings as satellite ACS. The quaternion error controller is used for this model to enhance its performance.