Systems and methods for pointing photovoltaic arrays
AssigneeBlue Origin Manufacturing, LLC
InventorBrian Jay Tillotson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods for pointing photovoltaic arrays for optimal power generation. One or more methods among a plurality of methods for pointing an array may be used by a spacecraft control system to point the array. Example methods to use to point the photovoltaic array relate to analyzing current output, analyzing image data, and analyzing computational knowledge of reflective bodies or light sources. The spacecraft may be further controlled to reduce shadow by re-orienting, receiving light reflected off spacecraft, and orienting a photovoltaic array relative to incoming light sources based on topographic properties of the array such as cell grooves.
Claims20
A control system for pointing a photovoltaic array on a spacecraft, the control system comprising:
- at least one memory module configured to store instructions thereon;
- and
- a processor configured to execute the instructions stored in the at least one memory module to cause a method for pointing the photovoltaic array, the method comprising:
- pointing the photovoltaic array in a first direction;
- receiving data related to electrical output from the photovoltaic array;
- analyzing the data for determining an optimal pointing angle based on the electrical output;
- and
- pointing the photovoltaic array in a second direction along the optimal pointing angle.
A spacecraft comprising:
- a photovoltaic array;
- and
- control system for pointing the photovoltaic array, the control system comprising:
- at least one memory module configured to store instructions thereon;
- and
- a processor configured to execute the instructions stored in the at least one memory module to cause a method for pointing the photovoltaic array, the method comprising:
- pointing the photovoltaic array in a first direction;
- receiving data related to electrical output from the photovoltaic array;
- analyzing the data for determining an optimal pointing angle based on the electrical output;
- and
- pointing the photovoltaic array in a second direction along the optimal pointing angle.
A method for pointing a photovoltaic array on a spacecraft, the method comprising:
- pointing the photovoltaic array in a first direction;
- receiving data related to electrical output from the photovoltaic array;
- analyzing the data for determining an optimal pointing angle based on the electrical output;
- and
- pointing the photovoltaic array in a second direction along the optimal pointing angle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.