Ground Power Monitoring
Monitor and manage power consumption of the ground station for extended operation.
Overview
Ground Power Monitoring provides:
- Battery Status: Real-time battery level monitoring
- Power Consumption: Track power usage of components
- Runtime Estimation: Predict remaining operation time
- Power Optimization: Identify power-saving opportunities
Hardware Requirements
Power Monitoring Modules
- INA219/INA226: I2C current/voltage sensors
- Built-in Monitoring: Pi 4 has some built-in monitoring
- External Meters: Dedicated power monitoring devices
- Smart Batteries: Batteries with built-in monitoring
Integration Methods
- GPIO Connection: Connect sensors to GPIO pins
- I2C Interface: Use I2C bus for sensor communication
- USB Monitoring: USB power meters and monitors
- Serial Interface: Serial-connected power monitors
Sensor Configuration
INA219 Setup
Connections:
VCC → 3.3V (Pi Pin 1)
GND → Ground (Pi Pin 6)
SDA → GPIO 2 (Pi Pin 3)
SCL → GPIO 3 (Pi Pin 5)
Software Configuration
- Enable I2C interface on Raspberry Pi
- Install power monitoring software
- Configure sensor addresses
- Calibrate sensors for accuracy
- Test monitoring functionality
Monitoring Parameters
Voltage Monitoring
- Input Voltage: Monitor supply voltage stability
- Voltage Drops: Detect voltage sag under load
- Voltage Thresholds: Set low voltage warnings
- Voltage History: Track voltage over time
Current Monitoring
- Current Draw: Monitor instantaneous current
- Average Current: Calculate average consumption
- Peak Current: Track maximum current events
- Current Profiles: Analyze consumption patterns
Power Calculations
- Instantaneous Power: Real-time power consumption
- Energy Used: Total energy consumed
- Efficiency: System efficiency calculations
- Thermal Impact: Power to heat conversion
Display Integration
OSD Integration
- Battery Icon: Visual battery level indicator
- Voltage Display: Real-time voltage reading
- Current Display: Current consumption display
- Runtime Remaining: Estimated time remaining
Ground Station Display
- Power Dashboard: Comprehensive power status
- Historical Graphs: Power consumption over time
- Alerts: Visual and audio power alerts
- Trend Analysis: Power usage trend display
Power Management
Automatic Power Saving
- Component Control: Disable unused components
- Display Dimming: Reduce display brightness
- WiFi Management: Disable WiFi when not needed
- CPU Throttling: Reduce CPU speed to save power
Manual Power Control
- Component Switches: Manual component on/off
- Power Profiles: Selectable power modes
- Priority Systems: Power allocation priorities
- Emergency Mode: Minimal power emergency mode
Battery Management
Battery Types
- LiPo Batteries: High energy density
- Li-Ion Batteries: Stable voltage output
- Lead Acid: Low cost, high capacity
- NiMH: Reliable, moderate capacity
Battery Monitoring
- Cell Monitoring: Individual cell voltage monitoring
- Balance Monitoring: Cell balance status
- Temperature: Battery temperature monitoring
- Health Assessment: Battery condition evaluation
Alert Systems
Warning Thresholds
- Low Voltage: Configurable low voltage warnings
- High Current: Overcurrent protection alerts
- Temperature: Overheating warnings
- Runtime: Low runtime remaining alerts
Alert Methods
- Visual Alerts: On-screen warnings
- Audio Alerts: Audible warning tones
- Vibration: Haptic feedback alerts
- Remote Alerts: Send alerts to mobile devices
Performance Optimization
Power Efficiency
- Component Selection: Choose efficient components
- Voltage Regulation: Efficient power conversion
- Load Management: Distribute loads evenly
- Thermal Management: Prevent overheating
Runtime Extension
- Power Budgeting: Allocate power to critical functions
- Duty Cycling: Cycle non-critical components
- Voltage Optimization: Optimize operating voltages
- Load Shedding: Disable features to save power
Data Logging
Log Parameters
- Timestamp: Time-based power data
- Voltage Levels: Voltage measurements
- Current Draw: Current consumption data
- Power Consumption: Calculated power usage
- Component Status: Individual component power states
Analysis Tools
- Power Profiles: Analyze typical power usage
- Efficiency Analysis: Identify inefficiencies
- Trend Analysis: Long-term power trends
- Optimization Recommendations: Power saving suggestions
Integration Examples
Basic Monitoring Setup
Hardware:
- INA219 sensor on main power rail
- Temperature sensor for thermal monitoring
- Battery voltage divider
Software:
- Real-time power display in OSD
- Low battery warnings
- Power consumption logging
Advanced Power Management
Components:
- Multiple INA219 sensors for different rails
- Smart battery with I2C interface
- Controllable power switches
- Temperature monitoring
Features:
- Individual component power control
- Predictive battery management
- Automatic power optimization
- Remote power monitoring
Troubleshooting
Sensor Issues
- No Readings: Check I2C connections and addresses
- Inaccurate Readings: Calibrate sensors properly
- Intermittent Data: Check power supply stability
- I2C Conflicts: Resolve I2C address conflicts
Power Problems
- Unexpected Shutdowns: Check voltage thresholds
- High Power Draw: Identify power-hungry components
- Poor Runtime: Analyze power consumption patterns
- Voltage Drops: Check connections and wire gauge
Safety Considerations
Overcurrent Protection
- Fuse Protection: Install appropriate fuses
- Current Limiting: Implement current limiters
- Thermal Protection: Monitor component temperatures
- Emergency Shutdown: Quick power disconnect capability
Battery Safety
- Overcharge Protection: Prevent battery overcharging
- Undervoltage Protection: Prevent battery over-discharge
- Thermal Monitoring: Monitor battery temperature
- Physical Protection: Protect batteries from damage
Battery Safety
Always use appropriate battery protection systems. LiPo batteries can be dangerous if mishandled.
Calibration Important
Accurate power monitoring requires proper sensor calibration. Take time to calibrate sensors correctly for reliable readings.