Tenders Are Invited For In-Orbit Reconfigurable Solar Array

Tenders are invited for In-Orbit Reconfigurable Solar Array - Expro+ Objective: To design a solar array concept allowing for in-orbit reconfiguration of strings length and section size and to optimisethe solar array power output for EOL best possible performance.Description: Solar cell voltage and current are a function of operating temperature and degradation level. String lengths and section sizes are optimised for EOL best performance. However, this means that for most of the time the solar array is not exploiting its full performance capability. If string lengths and section sizes were reconfigurable, the power output at each time of the mission could be maximised. This concept could provide various benefits, such as flexible adaptation in case of unforeseen events (e.g. solar flares, micrometeorite impacts, etc.), mission extension in GEO and potential use of cells with less performance in GEO radiation environment. These benefits can be of interest for Telecom applications, where very large solar arrays are typically required to compensate for the degradation over the entire mission. This activity targets innovative photovoltaic assembly concepts that allows for reconfiguring string lengths and section size to optimise performance in dependence of operating conditions during the mission (e.g. temperature, irradiation level). This activity encompasses the following tasks: - Definition of a solar array / photovoltaic assembly concept allowing for reconfiguration of string lengths and section sizes. - Prototyping of interconnection concepts. - Initial proof of concept demonstration. Tender Link : https://esastar-publication-ext.sso.esa.int/ESATenderActions/filter/open