Solar Array Wing Wiring Standardization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing solar array wing designs face challenges with excessive voltage drop due to long power supply lines and increased risk of design and manufacturing errors from varied wiring configurations.
Innovation Solution
A solar power generator design featuring a support with standardized transmission lines, first electrodes on one side, and second electrodes on the opposite side, where some second electrodes are connected one-to-one and others many-to-one to first electrodes, allowing for efficient current passage and reduced design complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transmission lines are installed at the back of each solar panel to supply power to the satellite body, then power transmission is achieved, but the area of installation varies from panel to panel requiring specific wiring design for each panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized transmission line configuration that can be used across all solar panels regardless of their position. The transmission lines are arranged in a uniform pattern on the back of each panel, allowing the same wiring design to be applied universally to all panels in the array, eliminating the need for panel-specific wiring designs.
2Manufacturing precision
If the number of types of drawings is increased to accommodate varied wiring designs, then each panel can be properly wired, but the time required for designing increases and the risk of design and manufacturing errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by making the transmission line configuration identical across all solar panels. The same wiring pattern, same connection points, and same routing are used for every panel, creating a homogeneous wiring system that reduces design complexity and minimizes the risk of manufacturing errors.
3Device complexity
If solar cells are connected in series by integrated inner current conduction path system and outer current conduction path system, then transmission lines can be disused, but the power supply line has to go through the outer current conduction path system to reach the body of the satellite depending on the module, and is thus increased in length and causes an excessive voltage drop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the current conduction paths into distinct inner and outer paths with specific functions. The inner current conduction path system handles series connections between solar cells within modules, while the outer current conduction path system provides standardized transmission lines for power supply to the satellite body. This segmentation allows optimization of each path independently to minimize voltage drop.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design standardizes wiring, reducing the number of drawing types, design time, and manufacturing errors, while preventing voltage drops and floating conductors, thus enhancing reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A solar array wing includes a plurality of solar panels to generate power required by a satellite
Implementation Method 2
Each of the panels is connected to the body of the satellite by wiring in order to supply power generated in each of the panels to the body of the satellite
Data Source
AI summary
A solar power generator includes a support, a plurality of first electrodes disposed on one side of the support, a solar cell module mounted to the support, and a plurality of second electrodes disposed on the opposite side of the support. The solar cell module is electrically connected to a pair of the first electrodes via a transmission line for module connection. Three pairs of the second electrodes are electrically connected one-to-one to three pairs of the first electrodes via a transmission line for passage of current. Three of the second electrodes are electrically connected to one of the first electrode via the transmission line for passage of current.