Spacecraft Photovoltaic Array Pointing for Multi-Source Light Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for pointing spacecraft photovoltaic arrays are inefficient in maximizing power generation due to inadequate consideration of solar power parameters and light reflection from celestial bodies.

Innovation Solution

A control system that analyzes various solar power parameters, including orbital position, light sources, and reflective bodies, to optimize the orientation of photovoltaic arrays, allowing them to receive light from multiple sources and minimize shadowing, using methods such as analyzing electrical output, light source brightness, and computational knowledge of reflective bodies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the photovoltaic array is pointed directly at a single light source (sun), then the pointing control is simple, but the power generation is not maximized because reflected light from celestial bodies is not utilized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generationVSAvoidpointing control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system pre-calculates the optimal pointing direction by considering the positions of the sun and reflective celestial bodies (earth, moon, planets) in advance, determining the bisector direction before the spacecraft arrives at the optimal position, thereby maximizing power generation without complex real-time adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light reflected from celestial bodies as an intermediary light source between the sun and the photovoltaic array. By pointing the array at the bisector direction between the sun and a reflective body, the system captures both direct sunlight and reflected light, effectively utilizing the reflective body as a mediator to increase total light input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the photovoltaic array orientation is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but shadowing from spacecraft structures reduces power generation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generationVSAvoidarray orientation control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the photovoltaic array orientation dynamic by continuously adjusting it based on the calculated optimal direction that accounts for sun position, reflective body positions, and spacecraft shadowing. The array orientation changes over time to maintain maximum power generation while avoiding shadows from spacecraft structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the photovoltaic array is pointed at multiple light sources simultaneously, then power generation increases, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring optimal orientation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generationVSAvoidoptimal orientation determination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The control system uses feedback from power generation measurements to verify and adjust the optimal pointing direction. By monitoring the actual power output and comparing it with expected values from different pointing directions, the system refines its determination of the optimal orientation that maximizes power from multiple light sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical orientation adjustment systems with computational methods. Instead of using complex mechanical mechanisms to physically track multiple light sources, the system uses orbital mechanics calculations and reflective body position computations to determine the optimal bisector direction, substituting mechanical complexity with computational analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach enhances power generation by up to 2.7% by positioning the photovoltaic arrays between light sources and reflective bodies, optimizing the angle of incidence to maximize energy capture, and re-orienting the arrays to align grooves with incoming light for improved energy conversion.

Implementation Method 1

Solar or photovoltaic arrays convert solar energy into electrical power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

positioning the array to receive light reflected off spacecraft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20230202684A1Systems and methods for pointing photovoltaic arrays

Publication Date: 2023.06.29 BLUE ORIGIN MANUFACTURING LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for pointing photovoltaic arrays for optimal power generation. One or more methods among a plurality of methods for pointing an array may be used by a spacecraft control system to point the array. Example methods to use to point the photovoltaic array relate to analyzing current output, analyzing image data, and analyzing computational knowledge of reflective bodies or light sources. The spacecraft may be further controlled to reduce shadow by re-orienting, receiving light reflected off spacecraft, and orienting a photovoltaic array relative to incoming light sources based on topographic properties of the array such as cell grooves.