A software tool has been developed to simulate the electrical performance of solar arrays, based on the characteristics of the bare cell. This paper presents the most important algorithms of this software tool, called PAMELA (Program for Advanced Modular ELectrical Analysis). Some results are presented and compared to measurements. Possible inaccuracies are discussed. Solar cells are modelled with the two-diode model. An adapted version of this model has been implemented in PAMELA to calculate the current-voltage characteristics of multi-junction solar cells. Triple-junction GaInP2/GaAs/Ge cells can now be modelled with more than 99 % accuracy. Solar array Begin-Of-Life and End-Of-Life power values can be predicted with high accuracy. Current-voltage curves can be created that show the effect of one or more solar cells in reverse bias.
Algorithms and performance of a space dedicated solar array modelling tool
Algorithmen und Leistung eines Modellierungswerkzeugs für Raumfahrt-Sonnenbatterien
2002
6 Seiten, 7 Bilder, 2 Tabellen, 4 Quellen
Conference paper
English
Algorithms and Performance of a Space Dedicated Solar Array Modelling Tool
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2002
|Mission analysis software doubles as space training tool - Too few dedicated simulators
Online Contents | 1996
Hubble space telescope solar array developments
British Library Conference Proceedings | 1994
|Space Station Freedom Solar Array Design
Online Contents | 1993
|