On-orbit Analysis of Power Generation Efficiency of Concentrating Photovoltaic System Using Commercial Fresnel Lens for Pico Satellite Applications

Pico satellite has limited surface to install the solar cells due to its extremely limited size. Also, the sun incidence angle with respect to the solar panel continuously varies according to the attitude control strategy and its important parameter for the power generation. In this study, a concentrating photovoltaic system for pico satellite application has been proposed that can enhance the power generation efficiency in case of the unfavorable condition of the sun incidence angle with respect to the solar panel of the satellite using the fresnel lens. To prove the possibility of maximizing the power generation efficiency of the proposed concentrating power system, we have performed the power measurement test using a solar simulator and commercial fresnel lens. And on-orbit analysis of the power generation efficiency using the STK which is a commercial S/W has also been performed based on the test results.