Energy distribution design on the photovoltaic cell array of the SSPS-OMEGA concept

Abstract

Solar energy collection and conversion is of great significance to the power transmission of the Space Solar Power Station (SSPS), and has influences on the overall system, technologically and economically. For the proposed SSPS-OMEGA concept, the original conceptual design had non-uniform energy distribution and excessive energy density in local areas, which would cause decreases in its optical and electric performance. Aiming at this point, firstly, this paper evaluates the optical performance of the OMEGA concept via ray trace technique. Secondly, the generatrix geometry design of the photovoltaic (PV) cell array based on Bézier curve is carried out to obtain optimal optical performance available for efficient response to sunrays. After that numerical examples achieve good collection efficiency and suitable energy distribution. Finally, modular construction for the main concentrator and its influence on optical performance are investigated. Moreover, the effect of the orbital motion and tracking error are analyzed to provide reference for the realization of the OMEGA.