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Objectives
The HighLIGHT SAT is a new large area Solar Array Tester (SAT) for measuring the electrical performances (IV curve) of triple-junction (3J) solar arrays of up to 10m2 at ground testing level (EGSE). The goal of this project is to provide a state-of-the-art reference solar simulator equipment for satellite primes, solar array manufacturers, space institutes and solar array testing laboratories.
The development is based on a first generation system and meets the requirements of the European space community.
The main targets are the following:
– Illuminated area for standard arrays of up to 4 m x 2.5 m;
– Reduced measurement distance from lamp to device under test to optimize the footprint, to best fit in test environment layout;
– Flexible concept (two configurations: large and small) in order to optimize operations;
– Class A non-uniformity according to ECSS-E-ST-20-08C: ≤ 2.0% as measured with each component cell of the 3J device;
– A new generation measurement platform and controlling software that allows determining very accurately the electrical characteristics of the array, simultaneous acquisition of the irradiances as seen by the three component cells, automatic and fast calibration process of the light source, and simple and user-friendly operation of the whole system.
This multisource solar simulator is composed of three synchronized light sources which are independently adjusted to precisely balance the spectral content in each of the three junction ranges. The target for the light calibration is ≤ ± 1% for each component cell (measured Isc compared to reference Isc).
In addition, the system is designed to be compatible with future 4J developments.
Challenges
The key challenges of such development are the following:
– Reducing the footprint of the system, and in particular the distance from the light source to the device under test, while keeping a high quality of light regarding spectral content and uniformity on the whole test area (up to 10m2)
– Designing a system that can automatically calibrate the spectral content of the light in each of the three wavelength ranges corresponding to each junction of the 3J device to measure
Therefore, the optical light source as well as the electrical measurement and control are the main parts of this development.
Plan
The HighLIGHT SAT project started in early 2014. After the Kick-Off, two PDR meetings were used to review the design of the light source and of the various electronic parts before the CDR. Then the system was built and successfully tested during the FAT. The Final Review was successfully achieved in October 2015
Current Status
The project is finished and has led to a complete product. The final acceptance test (FAT) of the system was successfully conducted. The results of the FAT were clearly within the expected specifications.
The HighLIGHT SAT 3J equipment is now available for space industry and institutes.
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