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Version: 2.0 (Legacy)

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

  1. Enable I2C interface on Raspberry Pi
  2. Install power monitoring software
  3. Configure sensor addresses
  4. Calibrate sensors for accuracy
  5. 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.

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