Structural Scaling Parameters for Rectangular Flexible Blanket Solar Arrays

Abstract

Performance parameters have been used for nearly a century to provide structural designers with simple, rational tools to evaluate competing architectures. Flexible blanket photovoltaic solar arrays of rectangular form are the focus here. Two parameters are created to relate mass of the compression column, photovoltaic blanket, and spreader bar to the loading and geometric quantities. The scaling parameter and scaling index are developed by minimizing array mass and cost through a constraint function and numerical analysis. The scaling parameter provides perspective into the effect of column architecture selection on array performance. The scaling index serves a slightly different purpose because it informs mission planners how the array requirements (acceleration loading, fundamental frequency, and array power) affect the array mass. The greatest opportunity for mass savings comes from reducing length, growing width, and reducing the quantity of beam-column supports. Reducing beam packaged volume has greater payoff than increasing beam mass efficiency. Use of the scaling parameter and index is demonstrated on heritage tensioned blanket systems: Terra, the Milstar constellation, and the International Space Station.