Solar Power Generation System for the Canadian Space Agency STRATOS Program

This paper discusses the design and application of solar photovoltaics (PV) under aerospace conditions. The PV that is addressed Power Distribution Unit (PDU) for Canadian Space Agency’s (CSA) stratospheric balloon (STRATOS) program. PDU utilizes four 1 kWh Battery (BUs) have been sized with volume weight restrictions in mind. Without capacity to provide enough energy support multi-day missions, they are thus supplemented by power generation subsystem presented this paper. sub-system includes a bespoke panel centralized Maximum Point Tracking (MPPT) conversion unit maximize output panels. can accommodate up eight panels, each consisting nine individual C60 SunPower cells. MPPT consists two controllers, controller supporting modular be easily integrated CSA’s existing intelligent Management System (BMS).