Research by Alessandro Console

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Mounting Protocol Development for Photovoltaic Cells for CubeSat on PCBs

Student: Alessandro Console    

Major Professor: Dr. Adam Huang

Research Area(s):  Microelectronics

Background/Relevance

  • CubeSat and nano scale satellite power supply.

  • Photovoltaic technology with single or triple junction cells and made with silicon or GaAs materials.

Innovation

  • Reduced cost of solar cells and availability of economical space grade photovoltaic cells.

  • Standard design of nano scale satellites encouraged for universities and small companies to utilize for space scientific research.

Approach

  • Cut TrisolX
  • Solar cells.
  • Cut MISOL 5x5 Mono Solar Cells.
  • Orient cells in a manner to be most efficient for a limited surface area.
  • Mount cells on Printed Circuit Boards to test the amount of space needed making sure that the cells don’t interfere with one another.
  • Test voltage supply of the cells.
  • Test cells connection with voltage step up circuit.

Key Results

  • Cells function efficiently after cutting.
  • Reflow Soldering is a functioning method to mount TrisolX cells on PCBs.
  • The voltage step up circuit is inconclusive.

Conclusion

  • Different cells shape can be chosen depending on the availability of area on the CubeSat.
  • Big solar cells will most likely be used at the sides of the CubeSat while the TrisolX cells will occupy the ends of the satellite.
  • More research is needed for voltage step up circuit.