Maximizing solar energy input for Cubesat using sun tracking system and a maximum power point tracking

Abstract

For any Cubesat the Power System Unit is designed to deliver the required energy so as the nano-satellite can achieve its desired mission. Thus the input energy for the solar panels and the output energy from the solar cells must be increased. The sun tracking system aims to maximize the input solar energy to the solar panels. This paper aims to study the concept of designing sun tracking solar panels and a maximum power point tracker for the UOKSAT-3 Cubesat which is a 2 units Cubesat with a deployable solar panels. The paper details the effectiveness and importance of the tracking process, the impacts of the tracking mechanism on the Attitude Determination and Control and their interfacings to rotate the Cubesat. This paper also presents the MPPT's performance and its results to study the change of the input energy using the (MPPT).