Concentrated Photovoltaic Solar Power Investigation in Space Application

Abstract

Space applications of CPV technologies are much less than earth applications. Studies on improving the performance of satellite power systems are focused on in terms of reducing the cost and weight. In this regard, low-cost and high-performance CPVs are considered suitable for space applications. For this reason, in order to obtain accurate and valid information about the use of CPVs in space applications, studies conducted in this field can be examined. In this study, it is aimed to comprehensively evaluate the theoretical and practical data obtained from the studies conducted on the use of CPVs on satellite platforms. To achieve this purpose, the data obtained from the literature have comparatively analyzed in terms of solar cell type, optical and mechanical design parameters and space environment components in the context of design and application processes. In examinations and evaluations, it was found that space environment components that are different and more than the earth could not be tested at the same time before the launch. The only place where all these components act on CPV and where these effects together can be examined is the space environment. In this context, this study includes 11 CPV applications which are tested in the space environment and reached its results. It has been determined, only SCARLET-II in these CPV applications was found to be successful. Two-thirds of unsuccessful applications, consist of deteriorations in the optical components caused by the effects of the space environment. In addition, since 60% of the laboratory studies in the literature were conducted in the field of the optical design of CPV, they have confirmed the reached findings. These results show that the optical components of CPVs developed for space applications are quite complex and difficult to complete its mission without being affected by the environments in which they were found since the launch phase. © 2020 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.