Design and Modeling of useful Tool for Satellite Solar Array Preliminary Sizing and Power System Analysis

Abstract

Design for any satellite includes its electrical power needs and the system to supply them. The availability of solar energy has encouraged the development of solar cell arrays which are major structural element for providing power generation of many spacecraft. Solar cell array design must be instituted early in the development of satellite design mission. The high performance of satellite solar cell array design depends on the intensity of sunlight incident, the conversion efficiency of solar cells and the interaction of the array with satellite. The advances in technology are nowadays allowing the production of solar cells in different sizes and more importantly with increased efficiencies exceeding 30%. The most efficient technology for electricity generation from solar energy is multi-junction solar cells. Simplicity, relatively modest cost, and high reliability have caused these solar cells based on GaAs to be chosen for supplying the electrical power system of almost satellites. The aim of this research work was designed and modeled a useful tool for satellite solar array preliminary sizing and power system analysis of our spacecraft system. We had also simulated and compared a various solar cells to investigate their performance in terms of efficiency to select the adequate type of cells that should be chosen to insure performance at the required output to the end of the mission while minimizing costs. The useful tool of satellite solar array sizing was validated using data Alsat-1 project. The required area and weight of satellite solar array are calculated and selected to provide the required end-of-mission power without complicating installation of cells.