Early commercial demonstration of space solar power using ultra-lightweight arrays

Space solar power shows great promise for future energy sources worldwide. Most central power stations operate with power capacity of 1000 MW or greater. Due to launch size limitations and specific power of current, rigid solar arrays, the largest solar arrays that have flown in space are around 50 kW. Thin-film arrays offer the promise of much higher specific power and deployment of array sizes up to several MW with current launch vehicles. An approach to early commercial applications for space solar power to distribute power to charge hand-held, mobile battery systems by wireless power transmission (WPT) from thin-film solar arrays in quasi-stationary orbits will be presented. Four key elements to this prototype will be discussed: (1) Space and near-space testing of prototype wireless power transmission by laser and microwave components including WPT space to space and WPT space to near-space HAA transmission demonstrations; (2) distributed power source for recharging hand-held batteries by wireless power transmission from MW space solar power systems; (3) use of quasi-geostationary satellites to generate electricity and distribute it to targeted areas; and (4) architecture and technology for ultra-lightweight thin-film solar arrays with specific energy exceeding 1 kW/kg. This approach would yield flight demonstration of space solar power and wireless power transmission of 1.2 MW. This prototype system will be described, and a roadmap will be presented that will lead to still higher power levels.     

Space solar arrays and concentrators

This paper presents some research activities conducted at the Centre Spatial de Liege (CSL) in the field of space solar arrays and concentration.With the new generation of high efficiency solar cells, solar concentration brings new insights for future high power spacecrafts. A trade-off study is presented in this paper. Two different trough concentrators, and a linear Fresnel lens concentrator are compared to rigid arrays. Thermal and optical behaviors are included in the analysis.Several technical aspects are discussed:

• Off-pointing with concentrators induces collection loss and illumination non uniformity, reducing the PV efficiency.

• Concentrator deployment increases the mission risk.

• Reflective trough concentrators are attractive and already proven. Coating is made of VDA (Aluminum). A comprehensive analysis of PV conversion increase with protected silver is presented.

• Solar concentration increases the heat load on solar cells, while the conversion efficiency is significantly decreasing at warm temperatures.

To conclude, this paper will point out the new trends and the key factors to be addressed for the next generation of solar generators.     

Sandwich module prototype progress for space solar power

Space solar power (SSP) has been broadly defined as the collection of solar energy in space and its wireless transmission for use on earth. This approach potentially gives the benefit of provision of baseload power while avoiding the losses due to the day/night cycle and tropospheric effects that are associated with terrestrial solar power. Proponents have contended that the implementation of such systems could offer energy security, environmental, and technological advantages to those who would undertake their development. Among recent implementations commonly proposed for SSP, the modular symmetrical concentrator (MSC) and other modular concepts have received considerable attention. Each employs an array of modules for performing conversion of concentrated sunlight into microwaves or laser beams for transmission to earth. While prototypes of such modules have been designed and developed previously by several groups, none have been subjected to the challenging conditions inherent to the space environment and the possible solar concentration levels in which an array of modules might be required to operate. The research described herein details our team's efforts in the development of photovoltaic arrays, power electronics, microwave conversion electronics, and antennas for microwave-based “sandwich” module prototypes. The implementation status and testing results of the prototypes are reviewed.     

空间太阳电池阵的发展现状及趋势

从四方面分析了空间太阳电池阵的发展现状,包括体装式、带桨展开式、单板展开式、多板展开式、柔性多模块多维展开式等总体构型的发展历程,常用太阳电池片如硅电池片、砷化镓电池片、柔性薄膜电池片的材料与性能的发展现状,刚性基板结构、半刚性基板结构、柔性基板结构的发展与应用及五种展开机构的特点与空间应用分析,论述了空间太阳电池阵发展的制约因素,指出了聚光型柔性太阳电池阵是未来空间太阳电池阵发展的趋势,旨在促进空间太阳电池阵向着大尺寸、大功率、模块化、低成本和轻质量的方向发展,以适应大功率航天器的发展需求。     

Statistical Correlation of the Rate of Failures on Geosynchronous Satellites with Fluxes of Energetic Electrons and Protons

A statistical comparison of failures on geosynchronous satellites in the maximum and during the decline of the 22nd solar cycle (1989–1994) with space weather parameters is carried out. A positive correlation of the rate of failures with the flux of relativistic electrons on the geosynchronous orbit and with the proton flux measured before the bow shock front is revealed. The significant positive correlation of the electron flux with the rate of failures is observed during the entire considered interval. The correlation coefficient varies in the solar activity cycle in coordination with the electron flux, and the maxima of the correlation coefficient are observed on the phase of decline of the cycle. A statistically significant positive correlation between the flux of protons with energy of more than 1 MeV and the rate of failures is revealed in the maximum of the solar cycle.__________Translated from Kosmicheskie Issledovaniya, Vol. 43, No. 3, 2005, pp. 186–193.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Romanova, Pilipenko, Yagova, Belov.     

Space solar array reliability: A study and recommendations

Providing reliable power over the anticipated mission life is critical to all satellites; therefore solar arrays are one of the most vital links to satellite mission success. Furthermore, solar arrays are exposed to the harshest environment of virtually any satellite component. In the past 10 years 117 satellite solar array anomalies have been recorded with 12 resulting in total satellite failure. Through an in-depth analysis of satellite anomalies listed in the Airclaim's Ascend SpaceTrak database, it is clear that solar array reliability is a serious, industry-wide issue. Solar array reliability directly affects the cost of future satellites through increased insurance premiums and a lack of confidence by investors. Recommendations for improving reliability through careful ground testing, standardization of testing procedures such as the emerging AIAA standards, and data sharing across the industry will be discussed. The benefits of creating a certified module and array testing facility that would certify in-space reliability will also be briefly examined. Solar array reliability is an issue that must be addressed to both reduce costs and ensure continued viability of the commercial and government assets on orbit.     

空间太阳能电站的准对日定向姿态

针对空间太阳能电站的俯仰姿态运动，提出一种能追踪太阳运动的准对日定向(QSP)姿态方案。此方案的太阳能电池阵列在万有引力梯度力矩的作用下，始终在垂直于太阳光的方向附近作幅值约为18.8°的振动，且几乎不需要姿态控制力矩。准对日定向姿态方案解决了大型太阳能电池阵列对日定向所需的巨大俯仰姿态控制力矩问题。准对日定向姿态的发电效率为对日定向姿态的97.3%，对Abacus空间太阳能电站而言每年可节省燃料约36791 kg。通过数值方法得到了准对日定向姿态的精确初始条件。随后，设计了比例-微分控制器，保证了系统存在初始姿态误差的条件下收敛到准对日定向姿态。最后研究了轨道、姿态和结构振动对准对日定向姿态的影响，并发现准对日定向姿态下的结构振动幅值比对日定向姿态减小约40倍。     

Space solar array reliability: A study and recommendations

Providing reliable power over the anticipated mission life is critical to all satellites; therefore solar arrays are one of the most vital links to satellite mission success. Furthermore, solar arrays are exposed to the harshest environment of virtually any satellite component. In the past 10 years 117 satellite solar array anomalies have been recorded with 12 resulting in total satellite failure. Through an in-depth analysis of satellite anomalies listed in the Airclaim's Ascend SpaceTrak database, it is clear that solar array reliability is a serious, industry-wide issue. Solar array reliability directly affects the cost of future satellites through increased insurance premiums and a lack of confidence by investors. Recommendations for improving reliability through careful ground testing, standardization of testing procedures such as the emerging AIAA standards, and data sharing across the industry will be discussed. The benefits of creating a certified module and array testing facility that would certify in-space reliability will also be briefly examined. Solar array reliability is an issue that must be addressed to both reduce costs and ensure continued viability of the commercial and government assets on orbit.     

空间太阳能发电站拓扑架构及能量管理控制策略

针对超大功率空间太阳能电站(SSPS),提出了一种分布式+集中式系统拓扑架构,将系统电力传输分为太阳电池阵区、主结构电力传输区及发射天线阵区三大部分。根据系统三大阵区的能量流动关系,本文将SSPS系统的工作模式划分为最大功率点跟踪(MPPT)工作模式、跟踪功率指令工作模式及阴影区工作模式,并提出分层能源管理控制策略。最后,针对兆瓦级太阳电池阵的不同工作模式,利用Matlab/Simulink搭建空间太阳能电站系统仿真模型,进行仿真试验及对比分析,试验结果验证了拓扑架构的合理性及控制策略的有效性,为解决空间太阳能发电技术电力传输与能量管理问题提出了新思路。     

阴影遮挡对太阳电池阵发电能力影响的仿真分析

航天器太阳电池阵的在轨发电能力会由于舱体等对太阳光的遮挡而受到影响。文章通过建立太阳电池电路模型,利用Saber仿真平台进行仿真,得到太阳电池单串电路遮挡片数与功率输出的关系曲线,利用MatLab进行了基于每个单串电池电路的遮挡计算,最终计算得到自主飞行阶段的阴影遮挡造成的太阳电池阵功率损失率。比较新计算方法与传统计算方法的计算结果表明,新方法的计算精度更高,尤其是在被遮挡的电池片数量较少时,新方法的优势更加突出。     

Changes of properties of the materials of spacecraft solar arrays under the action of atomic oxygen

A procedure is developed for physical and chemical modeling and investigation of the weight, geometrical, and thermo-optical characteristics of polymer paneling materials of solar arrays and of the electric power of solar cells under the prolonged action of supersonic fluxes of atomic oxygen in orbit. The behavior of changes in the material characteristics as a function of the integral fluence of atomic oxygen is found. It is established that the electric power of solar cells is virtually invariable within the errors of measurements under irradiation by atomic oxygen flux with a fluence of no higher than 5 · 10²¹ cm^?2.     

太阳同步轨道卫星太阳电池阵衰减因子研究

卫星太阳电池阵衰减因子主要由粒子辐照、紫外辐照、微流星体碰撞和冷热交变等衰减因子组成;由于空间环境极其复杂,仅用上述几种因子来描述太阳电池衰减规律并不全面。文章利用某太阳同步轨道卫星在轨6年的太阳电池阵输出功率数据,通过对在轨卫星太阳入射角、日地距离因子、太阳电池阵温度进行归一化计算,最终计算出太阳电池阵在卫星寿命过程...     

Influence of simulated and natural space environment factors on dielectric properties of epoxyamine polymers and polymer-based composite materials

The variations of dielectric properties of epoxyamine polymers and polymer-based composite materials during ground-based tests imitating the influence of space environment factors and under the conditions of long-term active experiments using the ERE instrumentation onboard the Mir station are compared. The influence of space environment factors is shown to result in both reversible and irreversible changes of dielectric properties. The former are related to temperature effects and effects of charged particles. The latter are related to the removal of low-molecular components from the composition of binders in a vacuum, and to increasing density of polymeric lattice under an effect of thermal cycling and various types of radiations. It is established that the influence of ultra-violet radiation reveals itself, first of all, in changing temperature of samples, while the influence of irradiation by a flux of electrons is reduced to charge accumulation and discharges.Translated from Kosmicheskie Issledovaniya, Vol. 43, No. 1, 2005, pp. 27–35.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Babaevsky, Kozlov, Churilo, Slagoda.     

火星太阳电池翼除尘方法综述

“萤火一号”火星探测器即将发射升空,标志着我国火星探测计划实施的开始。然而,火星尘埃在范德华力和静电力的作用下积聚在太阳电池翼的表面,使其转换效率下降,影响火星探测器的寿命。因此,开展火星太阳电池翼除尘技术的研究是非常有意义的。文章主要介绍了火星太阳电池翼的除尘方法,特别是目前最受关注的电帘除尘方法,并对其基本结构、除尘原理、除尘效率和透光性做了详细的描述,对开展火星太阳电池翼除尘技术的研究具有一定的参考作用。     

圆形太阳翼模态仿真与试验研究

利用有限元软件SAMCEF实现了圆形太阳翼模态仿真分析，探究了翼面预紧力、约束方式和悬吊弹簧重力卸载系统对太阳翼模态的影响。结果显示，翼面预紧力对太阳翼模态影响较大；支撑车约束方式微小影响太阳翼第一阶模态；有支撑车相比无支撑车，太阳翼第一阶模态频率差值可达32.89%，因此地面试验不能使用支撑车；含悬吊弹簧重力卸载系统可有效减轻重力作用对模态的影响；此外，当弹簧刚度小于7 N/m时，其对太阳翼模态的影响小于0.59‰。随后，采用工作模态法和双点激振方式，经预试验优化地面试验方案；采用正弦扫频方法进行模态测试，获得了圆形太阳翼的前四阶模态振型和固有频率。最后，通过有限元模型修正，使模态仿真结果误差保持在4.16%以内，符合测试相关标准的要求。     

Estimation of the Probability of Radiation Failures and Single Particle Upsets of Integrated Microcircuits onboard the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fobos-Grunt</Emphasis> Spacecraft

When designing the radio-electronic equipment for long-term operation in a space environment, one of the most important problems is a correct estimation of radiation stability of its electric and radio components (ERC) against radiation-stimulated doze failures and one-particle effects (upsets). These problems are solved in this paper for the integrated microcircuits (IMC) of various types that are to be installed onboard the Fobos-Grunt spacecraft designed at the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Lavochkin Research and Production Association.” The launching of this spacecraft is planned for 2009.__________Translated from Kosmicheskie Issledovaniya, Vol. 43, No. 3, 2005, pp. 237–239.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Kuznetsov, Popov, Khamidullina.     

Sharp Boundaries of Solar Wind Plasma Structures and an Analysis of Their Pressure Balance

This work is devoted to studying the sharp boundaries of small-scale structures of the solar wind according to the data of measurements with high time resolution onboard the INTERBALL-1 satellite and simultaneous measurements of the WIND spacecraft. Such issues as the character of change of various plasma and magnetic field parameters on these boundaries, the duration of boundary passage and the balance of the total (thermal plus magnetic) pressure on the boundaries of the structures are considered. On the basis of the vast statistical material available, the typical conditions in the solar wind are investigated, in which such sharp boundaries are observed.__________Translated from Kosmicheskie Issledovaniya, Vol. 43, No. 3, 2005, pp. 163–170.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Riazantseva, Khabarova, Zastenker, Richardson.     

空间原子氧环境对太阳电池阵的影响分析

空间原子氧是危害低地球轨道（LEO）航天器在轨性能的最主要空间环境因素之一,其强氧化性能够对包括太阳电池阵在内的航天器外表面暴露材料和组件造成危害。文章分析了某载人航天器在轨原子氧环境、原子氧对不同结构太阳电池阵所用材料的影响以及对太阳电池阵组件电性能的影响,结果表明原子氧对材料的作用能够引起太阳电池阵基板强度降低、电连接可靠性下降及电缆线护套失效等风险,材料的损伤会导致太阳电池组件电性能的下降。鉴于以上结果,作者建议在今后LEO长寿命航天器太阳电池阵研制中,应对原子氧环境条件进行详细设计;同时开展组件级试验,以对电池阵原子氧防护设计的有效性进行验证。     

Radial gradient of low-energy (∼0.5–2 MeV) protons at 20–80 AU in the solar activity minima of the 22nd and 23rd cycles

The value of the radial gradient of low-energy (0.5–2 MeV) protons in the heliosphere at distances of 20–80 AU in the periods of solar activity minima in 1985–1987 and 1994–1997 was estimated using the data of the Voyager-1 and Voyager-2 spacecraft (s/c). Preliminary results on the dependence of the radial gradient on the distance were obtained for protons of these energies. The value of the radial gradient varies from –3% (AU)^–1 to –1% (AU)^–1 at distances from the Sun of 20–60 AU, reaching +0.7% (AU)^–1 at maximum considered distances (80 AU). The sign reversal of the proton radial gradient at a distance of 60–70 AU is interpreted as the appearance of a new component: up to the point of inversion there are mainly particles of the solar origin and/or accelerated in the inner heliosphere, while after the reversal of the gradients sign the fluxes of particles prevail whose source is located far from the Sun (maybe in the vicinity of the heliosphere boundary in the region of existence of the termination shock).Translated from Kosmicheskie Issledovaniya, Vol. 43, No. 1, 2005, pp. 3–8.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Logachev, Zeldovich, Surova.     

红蓝光敏探测器空间环境效应探测数据分析

红蓝光敏太阳电池空间环境效应探测器利用镓铟磷和三结砷化镓太阳电池来探测空间污染、原子氧和辐射环境及效应,搭载在中国空间技术研究院自主研制的“新技术验证一号”卫星上。文章通过分析红蓝光敏探测器在轨1年时间的探测数据,得到如下结论：红蓝光敏探测器污染电池板功率下降2.7%,等效污染累积增加量2.23×10^-5 g/cm^2,日均6×10^-8 g/cm^2;原子氧探测器在轨道高度499.226 km运行11个月,原子氧积分通量探测数据为9.7×10^20 AO/cm^2;辐射效应探测器（三结砷化镓太阳电池）在轨1年后累计接受辐射剂量（等效1 MeV电子注量）5.49×10^11 e/cm^2。