Design and Simulation of the Power Subsystems for two Argentine Satellites

GODFRIN, ELENA M.; FERNÁNDEZ SLEZAK, DIEGO; BERBEGLIA, GERARDO; DURÁN, JULIO

Milan, Italia

Congreso; 22nd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition; 2007

ABSTRACT: The simulation of satellite power subsystems is a useful tool for the preliminary sizing of the components<br />(solar array, batteries, etc.), for the final design and integration of the solar array and also during the mission phases for a<br />real-time performance analysis. In order to design and analyse the solar array for two Argentine satellites, SAOCOM and<br />SAC-D, a cell interconnection simulator was developed. Standard models use algebraic equations to obtain the cell I-V<br />curves. We present a model that uses a complete set of I-V curves (one for each cell) based on measured parameters for each<br />solar cell. For the complete power subsystem simulation a modular software was developed. The main output is the temporal<br />evolution of several important parameters under different mission states.<br />The computational codes developed were applied for designing the solar arrays of the satellites. Using the actual<br />electrical parameters of the solar cells purchased for both missions, the influence of several parameters on the predicted<br />power generation was analysed. In particular, the importance of the solar cells classification criteria and of the experimental<br />error during classification has been studied. The model has also been used for defining the optimum operating voltage, and<br />consequently the number of battery cells required. Several configurations for the solar arrays, as well as different<br />consumption profiles have also been studied.<br /><br />