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Experimental feasibility study of concentrating photovoltaic power system for cubesat applications | IEEE Journals & Magazine | IEEE Xplore

Experimental feasibility study of concentrating photovoltaic power system for cubesat applications


Abstract:

The ability to produce sufficient power is an important factor in assuring the success of the challenging and complex cube satellite (CubeSat) missions within an extremel...Show More

Abstract:

The ability to produce sufficient power is an important factor in assuring the success of the challenging and complex cube satellite (CubeSat) missions within an extremely small size. A CubeSat has only a limited surface area on which solar panels can be installed to generate power. The incidence angle of sunlight on the solar panels also varies according to the revolution and rotation of the satellite. These are important parameters for determining the amount of power that a CubeSat can generate. In this study, we propose a concentrating photovoltaic system for CubeSats that enhances the efficiency of power generation by effectively concentrating the solar energy on the solar panels by using a multi-array lens system under the worst condition for sun incidence angle. The feasibility of using the concentrating photovoltaic system for CubeSat applications is demonstrated by power measurement tests using a solar simulator and a commercial multi-array lens under various light source angles.
Published in: IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems ( Volume: 51, Issue: 3, July 2015)
Page(s): 1942 - 1949
Date of Publication: 28 September 2015

ISSN Information:


I. Introduction

So-called “CubeSats” (cube satellites),” are a picoscale class of miniaturized satellite that are cubic in shape. They are considerably smaller than typical commercial satellites, with a volume of 10 cm3 for a standard size of 1 unit (1U) and a mass of less than 1.33 kg, and they typically use commercial off-the-shelf components [1]. Recently, CubeSats have been advocated for not only by academia [2]–[4] but also by space agencies [5] and industries [6], [7] around the world as a means of achieving increasingly complex missions, including scientific, surveillance, and technology demonstration missions. Their advantages include their lower cost, shorter development time, and the opportunity to provide educational experience through hands-on experience. Recently, not only academia is advocating for CubeSats, but also space agencies and industries are building and flying CubeSats.

References

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