Title page for ETD etd-042808-104913

Document Type thesis

Author Name cooper, sean

URN etd-042808-104913

Title Control of a Satellite Based Photovoltaic Array for Optimum Power Draw

Degree MS

Department Electrical & Computer Engineering

Advisors
Alexander E. Emanuel, Advisor
John A. McNeill, Committee Member
Stephen J. Bitar, Committee Member

Keywords
photovoltaic solar satellite optimize dc-dc

Date of Presentation/Defense 2008-04-28

Availability unrestricted

Abstract
This thesis analyzes the general performance and design requirements of
photovoltaic(PV) systems, and specifically how they relate to the design of a system
intended to supply power to a rotating satellite.

The PV array geometry was discussed, different DC-DC converter topologies were
analyzed, and optimum array geometry and converter topologies were determined. The
potential reference quantities for use in control of the system are examined. Due to its
comparably greater linearity with respect to changes in apparent load and its relative
insensitivity to insolation changes, voltage was determined to be the best reference
quantity for use in stable tracking of the maximum power operating point of
photovoltaic modules.

The preceding work is used to design and model a photovoltaic system for a rotating
satellite ensuring the supply of the maximum available power as well as stable
operation. Simulations of the system are performed at rotational velocities up to 300
rev/min and its behavior is analyzed to demonstrate the validity of the preceding work.

It was concluded that:
● parallel connected photovoltaic panels provide greater efficiency than series
connected panels.
● Buck, Boost, and Cuk Converter architectures are best suited to PV applications
● PV Voltage is the best reference quantity for use in stable control of PV systems.

Files
scooperthesis.pdf

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Document Type	thesis
Author Name	cooper, sean
URN	etd-042808-104913
Title	Control of a Satellite Based Photovoltaic Array for Optimum Power Draw
Degree	MS
Department	Electrical & Computer Engineering
Advisors	Alexander E. Emanuel, Advisor John A. McNeill, Committee Member Stephen J. Bitar, Committee Member
Keywords	photovoltaic solar satellite optimize dc-dc
Date of Presentation/Defense	2008-04-28
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract This thesis analyzes the general performance and design requirements of photovoltaic(PV) systems, and specifically how they relate to the design of a system intended to supply power to a rotating satellite. The PV array geometry was discussed, different DC-DC converter topologies were analyzed, and optimum array geometry and converter topologies were determined. The potential reference quantities for use in control of the system are examined. Due to its comparably greater linearity with respect to changes in apparent load and its relative insensitivity to insolation changes, voltage was determined to be the best reference quantity for use in stable tracking of the maximum power operating point of photovoltaic modules. The preceding work is used to design and model a photovoltaic system for a rotating satellite ensuring the supply of the maximum available power as well as stable operation. Simulations of the system are performed at rotational velocities up to 300 rev/min and its behavior is analyzed to demonstrate the validity of the preceding work. It was concluded that: ● parallel connected photovoltaic panels provide greater efficiency than series connected panels. ● Buck, Boost, and Cuk Converter architectures are best suited to PV applications ● PV Voltage is the best reference quantity for use in stable control of PV systems.
Files	scooperthesis.pdf