Power limitation method of the solar array regulator for LEO satellites

Abstract

In LEO satellite applications, the regulator can be optimized from the point of mass and volume by limiting the power of the solar array. This paper describes the method how to prevent the over-power generation of the solar array and verifies the proposed method by simulation. The proposed method is simple, so it is easy to apply. In comparison with existing operation mode of the SAR, it is added to one more operation mode, which is a constant power mode. The operation point of the solar array is moved to the voltage area in this mode, therefore the power generated from the solar array is limited. This method can be applicable to other MPPT algorithm such as the P&O and incremental conductance method.