Abstract
This paper discusses the design and application of solar photovoltaics (PV) under aerospace conditions. The application of solar PV that is addressed is the Power Distribution Unit (PDU) for the Canadian Space Agency’s (CSA) stratospheric balloon (STRATOS) program. The PDU utilizes four 1 kWh Battery Unit (BUs) that have been sized with volume and weight restrictions in mind. Without the capacity to provide enough energy to support multi-day missions, they are thus supplemented by the solar power generation subsystem presented in this paper. The power generation sub-system includes a bespoke solar panel design and a centralized Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) power conversion unit to maximize the power output of solar panels. The centralized unit can accommodate up to eight solar panels, each consisting of nine individual C60 SunPower solar cells. The centralized MPPT unit consists of two MPPT controllers, each controller supporting up to four solar panels. The MPPT unit is modular and can be easily integrated to the CSA’s existing intelligent Battery Management System (BMS).
Highlights
One common design aspect that engineers are required to tackle for aerospace missions is providing a reliable, continuous source of power to keep scientific instruments operating and collecting data
To meet Canadian Space Agency (CSA)’s requirements, we developed our design to be modular, so that (1) it can integrate into any existing Battery Management System (BMS), (2) can be used in multiple flights, and (3) can be adjusted to the requirements of the mission at hand
The purpose of this paper is to report the results of this Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) subsystem and communicate lessons learned which may be applicable to all applications of solar PVs, including ground-based renewable installations
Summary
One common design aspect that engineers are required to tackle for aerospace missions is providing a reliable, continuous source of power to keep scientific instruments operating and collecting data. This paper is concerned with the former and its application to the Canadian Space Agency’s (CSA) stratospheric balloon program (STRATOS). These stratospheric balloons allow the CSA to test new technologies, conduct science experiments, and take measurements at altitudes ranging from 18 to 39 km above sea level. If just consisting of batteries without an independent external source of energy, the battery volume and mass would be impractical In this project, we designed a candidate solar power generation subsystem for the STRATOS program. These areas of research are related to the application of solar technology and will be used to link to the proposed project requirements defined by the CSA.
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