Testing solar panels for small-size satellites: the UPMSAT-2 mission

Abstract

At present, the development of small-size satellites by universities, companies and research institutions has become usual practice, and is spreading rapidly. In this kind of project cost plays a significant role. One of the main áreas are the assembly, integration and test (AIT) plans, which carry an associated cost for simulating environmental conditions. For instance, in the power subsystems test and, in particular, in the testing of solar panels, the irradiance and temperature conditions might be optimum so the performance of the system can be shown next to real operational conditions. To reproduce the environmental conditions in terms of irradiance, solar simulators are usually used, which carries an associated increase in cost for testing the equipment. The aim of this paper is to present an alternative and inexpensive way to perform AIT plans on spacecraft power subsystems, from a testing campaign performed using outdoor clean-sky conditions and an isolation system to protect the panels. A post-process of the measured data is therefore needed, taking into account the conditions in which the test has been accomplished. The I-V characteristics obtained are compared with a theoretical l-diode/2-resistor equivalent electric circuit, achieving enough precisión based solely on the manufacturer's data.

Project-based learning applied to spacecraft power systems: a long-term engineering and educational program at UPM University

“…As a result of this project, it can be said that the on-ground testing conditions used (AM1.5 solar irradiance, glass irradiance iltering…) can be applied to eiciently determine the main parameters of solar panels without the need for special and expensive test equipment. Finally, it should be also underlined that this work was recently published in a prestigious journal [44].…”

Solar Module Integrated Converters as Power Generator in Small Spacecrafts: Design and Verification Approach

“…From these measurements, the power obtained by the MPPT from the solar cell can be calculated as P MPPT = 560 mW. Using the open circuit voltage, the short circuit current and the manufacturer data, the PV curve was estimated [31,32], as shown in Figure 13, where the maximum power point is indicated as P max . Then, tracker efficiency of the MPPT (TE MPPT ) was calculated as…”

“…To confirm no damage has been sustained by the solar array throughout the qualification testing, current-voltage curves of the solar cells should be measured before and after each test (blue blocks in Figure 4). The curves can be obtained by measuring the current and voltage while the load is changed when the solar array is illuminated at constant irradiance [31]. At the end, the SMIC should be functionally tested in an integrated subsystem test to ensure that it correctly interfaces with other components of the EPS.…”

Studies on Cup Anemometer Performances Carried out at IDR/UPM Institute. Past and Present Research

“…The line of work related to wind speed sensors calibration represents, together with space engineering [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11], wind engineering [12][13][14][15][16][17], and different high education degree programs such as the Master in Space Systems [18][19][20][21], the core of the activities being carried out by the IDR/UPM research institute's staff.…”