Session
Technical Session XIII: Advanced Technologies 2
Abstract
A modular, laminated solar panel approach has been demonstrated which uses high efficiency cells and allows application to a variety of smallsat footprints without customizing each application. The module design includes a contiguous integral shield which protects the solar cells more effectively from a variety of space environments, and also provides electromagnetic cleanliness to protect sensitive instruments from solar array generated EMI. The laminated approach also provides significant cost reduction by incorporating self-tooling and reducing the number of steps and processes needed to assemble a solar panel from individual cells. Modularity leads to standardization, which allows process controls and inherently improved reliability. A number of alternative cell and module sizing approaches were considered to meet the needs of smallsats which often have small and discontinuous surface areas available for solar cell strings. The modular laminated solar panel provides a means of obtaining reliable, efficient panels for smallsats at an acceptable cost.
Presentation Slides
Modular Shielded Solar Panels Made using Low Cost Lamination Process
A modular, laminated solar panel approach has been demonstrated which uses high efficiency cells and allows application to a variety of smallsat footprints without customizing each application. The module design includes a contiguous integral shield which protects the solar cells more effectively from a variety of space environments, and also provides electromagnetic cleanliness to protect sensitive instruments from solar array generated EMI. The laminated approach also provides significant cost reduction by incorporating self-tooling and reducing the number of steps and processes needed to assemble a solar panel from individual cells. Modularity leads to standardization, which allows process controls and inherently improved reliability. A number of alternative cell and module sizing approaches were considered to meet the needs of smallsats which often have small and discontinuous surface areas available for solar cell strings. The modular laminated solar panel provides a means of obtaining reliable, efficient panels for smallsats at an acceptable cost.
