Power generation regulator for solar cell panels on satellite - uses power generation measurement relative to consumption to re-orient collector panels to vary incidence angle of solar radiation

摘要

The angle of incidence of solar rays on the solar collectors of a satellite is controlled by measuring generated power and rotating the collector panels till the generated power is matched to the power consumption. The power generated can thus be continuously matched to generated power with automatic compensation for cell degradation or failure. The signal represents the difference between the power produced and the power consumed, or more simply, the power produced. An interface system, containing e.g. threshold levels for intervention, calculates the movement of the solar panel by using e.g. data on the position of the sum or the position of the satellite in its orbit. The interface commands an actuating mechanism. The commands have the effect of stopping the movement of the panels w.r.t. the body of the satellite in a 'discontinuous' optimisation procedure. The procedure allows the effects of ageing on the solar cells to be compensated for to a minimal degree during mfr.