Minimal Magnetic Dipole Moment for the Solar Cell Array Using GaInP/GaAs/Ge Cells

Abstract

The only ambient power source in space is solar energy, which is harvested by photovoltaic conversion with solar cells. Since about 20 years ago, silicon solar cells have been used extensively as the primary power devices in space. However, in recent years, GaInP/GaAs/Ge solar cells with triple junction technology, have been widely used as power-generation devices for space applications. Not only do the GaInP/GaAs/Ge solar cells have better conversion efficiency compared to Si solar cells, but it is also possible to supply the required electric power using a smaller number of solar cells. While there are advantages when using the GaInP/GaAs/Ge solar cells, methods for design of systems of strings should be established for minimizing their magnetic dipole moment. This is because the voltage and current are three times greater than with Si solar cells, and this must be considered. By electromagnetic theory, loop current of a string consisting of cells in series occurs when flowing through it. That magnetic dipole moment can affect attitude control when using magnetic torque bars in orbit, and spacecraft systems require no more than 0.25 Am2 of magnetic dipole moment for optimal attitude control. Therefore, we designed a single string of GaInP/GaAs/Ge solar cells and tested its current capacity to see and minimize the magnetic dipole moment. Finally, we proposed an optimal string design methodology by a test coupon solar cell array using GaInP/GaAs/Ge solar cells by simulation and implemented it on a substrate of carbon fiber reinforced plastic material to see how well the prototype worked or did not work. In future, the string design methodology could be extended to a larger solar cell array by using this coupon design methodology to minimize the magnetic dipole moment.