Solar panel array model for UI FESS development

The overall objective of this project is to develop a model of a PV (Photovoltaic) panel array using MATLAB and to then verify that model using hardware. The PV panel array will be used to supply power to a FESS (Flywheel Energy Storage System) that NASA is developing for energy storage on the lunar surface. The solar panel array model is needed for the University of Idaho’s low speed FESS development.

Background
•	NASA is developing FESS for space applications which include Mars colonization; a first step towards Mars colonization is lunar colonization.

•	Lunar colonization requires energy storage to bridge the gap between energy generation and energy demand (load).

•	The University of Idaho has developed a low speed FESS and is developing a high speed FESS.

•	A solar panel array model is needed for use in UI HS FESS development

Design Goal
The equipment needs to be able to handle the harsh environment on the lunar surface where it will experience temperatures. The PV array model must take into consideration the environmental conditions such as irradiance and temperature using the characteristics of a silicon wafer. Things like power output and voltage fluctuation needs to be taken into consideration as the FESS will regulate the voltage on the panel’s output. The model must be as simple as possible without sacrificing accuracy as the PV panel array will be a piece of a larger electro-mechanical system.

Design Specifications
The model should take inputs of temperature and irradiance that it would see on the lunar surface and give an output voltage and current. Temperatures ranging from -243°F (-153°C) to 253°F (123°C) Solar irradiance of about 100 W/m2 DC bus on the FESS typically operates at 24 V