It is possible to develop solar arrays of different power levels and configurations based on unified cell. New principles of solar battery construction have called for new approaches to the ground optimization program aimed at the verification of high reliability, dependability and long service life. To the present day experimental investigations have been carried out on the optical and photovoltaic characteristics of separate modules consisting of 9 cells and solar array panels (500mm x 600mm). Dynamic tests of panels were conducted as well as strength and acoustic testing. In Fig. 2 the module dimensionless power N is plotted as a function of the Sun misorientation angle. Ground tests show that the photovoltaic converters are well protected from cosmic rays by the concentrator structure, thus extending the service life of solar arrays with concentrators in radiation hazardous orbits of 4,000-12,000 km to 5-7 years (the density of protection is 0.5-0.75 g/cm2). Fig. 3 presents the specific power N of solar arrays with concentrators and planar solar arrays as a function of the flight altitude H at the end of 5 year service life. The advantages of solar arrays with concentrators are obvious. To solve the problem of increasing the power systems service life and photovoltaic conversion efficiency and to also assure solar arrays cost reduction, NIITP in cooperation with the Scientific-Production Union "Yuzhnoye" has been preparing a space experiment on solar energy concentrators on board the spacecraft AUOS (Automatic Universal Orbital Station) assigned for 1992 and thereafter. We expect that the power-generating characteristics of solar concentrators with photovoltaic converters of various designs will be studied, and also quantitative data on the decrease of these characteristics with deterioration will be obtained. In accordance with the REGATTA international program, the Institute of Space Research is developing a commercial spacecraft-platform (named the Small Space Laboratory) for investigationsof near Earth, near-Sun and interplanetary space and the stars. The spacecraft is constantly and precisely Sun-oriented (±4") and the operation time is 5 to 7 years. The photovoltaic array with solar energy concentrators (N(e) 250W) developed at NIITP was chosen as an alternative power supply system for this spacecraft. The schematics of the location of solar arrays with concentrators on the AUOS and "Small Space Laboratory" spacecraft are shown in Fig. 4, 5. The Scientific-Research Institute of Thermal Processes invites concerned companies to cooperate in research on and optimization of the technology of highly-efficient space solar arrays with concentrators and in research on and manufacture of demonstrator prototypes.
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