We wonder how to procure electrical power in space since a spacecraft or space station needs power to function as a whole.
Without power the life support, instruments, gauges, propulsion system, navigation system and etc. would die out eventually snuff out the life of the astronauts. So power is essential for the astronauts to stay alive. One of the ways to have a constant supply of electrical power is using solar panels.
The calculated solar irradiance above the Earth's atmosphere is about 1.36 kW/m2 or 1360 Watts/m2(1)
Solar efficiency depends on mainly 2 aspects:
1) photovoltaic (PV) cell efficiency which is depends on silicon type and cell design.
2) total panel efficiency which attributes to the cell layout, configuration and panel size.
Currently the most efficient solar panels efficiency is IBC (Interdigitated back contact) cells that has a rating of 21 to 23%. (2)
Thus 1 meter square of IBC solar cells can generate from 1360 x 21/100 = 285.6Watts to 1360 x 23/100 = 312.8 Watts. (These are only the approximate value)
For the area of the solar panels depends on the power requirement.
Area of solar panels (A) = Power Requirement (P)/Efficiency of solar panels per meter square in Watts (E).
Example: 90k Watts is the Power Requirement. Let's say the Efficiency of the solar panels is 312.8 Watts per meter square.
Area of Solar Panels = 90,000/312.8 = 287.73 meter square (Rounded to 2 decimal places). Therefore to round it up to whole number, its 288 m2.
Foot Notes (Credit to):
1. https://www.pveducation.org/pvcdrom/properties-of-sunlight/solar-radiation-outside-the-earths-atmosphere
2. https://www.cleanenergyreviews.info/blog/most-efficient-solar-panels
Power Requirement:
Power Requirement:
Solar Panel Area:
Disclaimer: This calculation is for educational purpose. We will not be reponsible and laible for any misinformation, damages, loss of lives, injury or any indemnity.**
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