Analysis of Solar Array Deployments

Abstract

Solar cells have been used on satellites since early after their invention, now present on virtually every satellite. To accommodate the power consumption of satellites, large panels have to be fitted to it. These are normally folded in a harmonica-like way, to fit within the launch vehicle fuselage, and deployed when in orbit. Each solar array features different parameters, defining its deployment behaviour. While limited research has been performed on the behaviour of individual arrays, a lack of research into a generalised response to parameter variations can be observed. The research of this Master's thesis focused on the characterisation of solar array deployments, identifying the influence of array parameters on the deployment, and the differences between test, simulation, and operation environments. Additionally, the test results were used in a correlation study together with the results of a simulation model for validation and investigation of on-Earth effects.