Photovoltaic power modules for NASA's manned space station

Conference · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:5692421

Tatro, C A

The capability and the safety of manned spacecraft are largely dependent upon reliable electric power systems. Two similar space power systems able to survive the low Earth orbit environment, are being considered for NASA's Manned Space Station (SS), scheduled to begin operation in the mid 1990's. The Space Station Electric Power System (EPS) is composed of Photovoltaic (PV) Power Modules, Solar Dynamic (SD) Power Modules, and the Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) System. One EPS configuration will deliver 37.5 kW of PV based, utility grade, ac power to SS users. A second 75 kWe PV based EPS option is also being considered for SS deployment. The two EPS options utilize common modules and differ only in the total number of PV Power Modules used. Each PV Power Module supplies 18.75 kWe of ac power and incorporates its own energy storage and thermal control. The general requirements and the current preliminary design configuration of the Space Station PV Power Modules are examined.

• Research Organization: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, OH (USA). Lewis Research Center
• OSTI ID: 5692421
• Report Number(s): N-88-11745; NASA-TM-100229; E-3850; NAS-1.15:100229; CONF-880457-
• Resource Relation: Conference: American Society of Mechanical Engineers Solar Energy Division conference, Golden, CO, USA, 10 Apr 1988
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SUPPLIES
DESIGN
SOLAR THERMAL POWER PLANTS
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
ENERGY STORAGE
SPACE VEHICLES
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
CONTROL
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
POWER PLANTS
POWER SUPPLIES
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
STORAGE
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
VEHICLES
140600* - Solar Energy- Photovoltaic Power Systems