Solar Cell Patch Antenna Integration for Satellite Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of solar cells and patch antennas is challenging due to the difficulty in implementing electrical connections on solar cells, which increases launch costs and weight for satellite applications, limiting the efficiency and bandwidth of combined devices.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell is positioned above a ground plane with a coaxial antenna feed line and a drive shunt conductor, allowing it to function as a patch antenna, and dielectric tuning bodies are used to adjust the operating frequency, enabling the solar cell to convert light into electric power while operating as an efficient antenna.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If solar cells and patch antennas are integrated, then weight and launch costs are reduced, but electrical connection implementation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the solar cell and patch antenna into a single integrated structure where the solar cell serves dual purposes: generating electrical power and functioning as the antenna element. The front surface of the solar cell acts as the radiating element while the back surface serves as the ground plane, eliminating the need for separate antenna components and their associated electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar cell is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it generates electrical power through photovoltaic conversion and operates as a patch antenna for RF communication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated antenna structures, simplifying the overall system and reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate solar panels and patch antennas are used, then electrical connections are easier to implement, but weight and launch costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the solar cell and patch antenna into a single integrated structure where the solar cell serves dual purposes: generating electrical power and functioning as the antenna element. The front surface of the solar cell acts as the radiating element while the back surface serves as the ground plane, eliminating the need for separate antenna components and their associated electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar cell is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it generates electrical power through photovoltaic conversion and operates as a patch antenna for RF communication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated antenna structures, simplifying the overall system and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional patch antennas are used with solar cells, then antenna performance is optimized, but device complexity and launch costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the solar cell and patch antenna into a single integrated structure where the solar cell serves dual purposes: generating electrical power and functioning as the antenna element. The front surface of the solar cell acts as the radiating element while the back surface serves as the ground plane, eliminating the need for separate antenna components and their associated electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar cell is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it generates electrical power through photovoltaic conversion and operates as a patch antenna for RF communication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated antenna structures, simplifying the overall system and reducing manufacturing complexity.
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 configuration reduces launch costs and weight by combining solar cells and antennas, achieving high electrical conductance and reduced passive intermodulation, with increased bandwidth and efficiency in satellite applications.
Implementation Method 1
A solar cell is a planar device that converts energy from light, and more particularly, sunlight, into electricity
Implementation Method 2
Antennas are realized by the motion of electric currents on conductive shapes
Implementation Method 3
dielectric tuning bodies are used to adjust the operating frequency
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna may include a ground plane and a solar cell spaced above the ground plane. The solar cell may have first and second power output terminals. The antenna may include a coaxial antenna feed line including an inner conductor coupled to the first power output terminal, and an outer conductor coupled to the ground plane so that the solar cell also serves as a patch antenna element. The antenna may further include a drive shunt conductor extending between the first terminal and the ground plane.