Solar Cell Power Systems for Space Stations

This paper reports on space station power requirements and an optimized solar cell power system, including some of the characteristics of the solar cell array, energy storage system, and power conditioning system. The cost and complexity is reduced by using lower cost cells, more efficient energy storage, power conditioning and power distribution systems, and by using a concentrator that can be wrapped around the vehicle for launch. Growth capability is obtained by adding a supplementary experimental power system for operational uses.