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Power Generation

Sedaro currently supports power generation from Solar Arrays and models the system down to the level of the Solar Cells.

Solar Cells​

Solar Cells compose the solar panels that power the satellite. Cells in the table can be swapped in and out to test different cell technologies within your mission architecture. A Solar Cell serves as a template, so that single cell created and used multiple times in a single panel.

To create a Solar Cell, click the "+" button at the bottom of the table and specify the IV curve via these four characteristic points:

  • Open Circuit Voltage - the maximum voltage at which the solar cell can operate and is the voltage of the cell when its current is zero.
  • Short Circuit Current - the largest current which can be drawn from the cell.
  • Max Power Voltage - the voltage at which the solar cell yields the highest power.
  • Max Power Current - the current at which the solar cell yields the highest power.

Finally, choose the number p-n junctions in your cell. A multi-junction solar cell is modeled as multiple wavelength-optimized solar cells connected in series. The number of p-n junctions of the solar cell scale the parameters of the equivalent circuit characterized by the cell's IV curve. Please consult your cell's datasheet for its number of junctions if unknown.

Solar Panels​

Solar panels compose the solar arrays that power the satellite. Panels stored in the table can be swapped in and out of arrays to test different configurations within your mission architecture. Unlike cells, however, a solar panel may only be used once as particular geometry is a part of its definition.

In addition to the typical hardware properties, specify the number of cells in series and in parallel. You must also specify a Surface that the panel is installed on, either choosing an existing surface or creating a new one. If mounted on a fixed surface, the solar panel will be fixed to the satellite's local frame of reference. Its pointing will depend on your mission's ConOps and pointing logic. If mounted on a sun-tracking surface, the solar panel will maximize its alignment with the Sun throughout the mission, maximizing the available power at each time-step. Optionally, a blocking diode can be added to prevent the battery or another panel from discharging into the panel.

Solar Arrays​

Solar arrays provide power to the satellite and charge the battery. Each solar array is composed of one of more panels in parallel, each of which is installed on an external surface of the spacecraft. Define a solar array by selecting the panels of which it is composed.