Satellite Solar Panel Deployment Mechanism

The solar panel deployment mechanism includes two parts see fig.

Satellite solar panel deployment mechanism.

To deploy the solar panels. Resettable solar array deployment mechanism. Deployed concentrators around solar panel. Maven solar panel deployment duration.

The mechanism is designed around the concept of deploying a solid strut using counter rotating cylinders joined by a cable. In such cases the motion has to be controlled by drag braking to reduce or eliminate the shock loading at the end of the stroke. To deploy the solar panels completely it is necessary to design the deployment mechanism which has high precision and reliability. Solar array panels of a satellite must be locked at an intended position in order to perform its mission successfully as the electric power source of a satellite.

Consequently the analysis on the dynamic characteristic of the deployment mechanism must be done at an initial design stage. Kevin vipavetz vip senior systems engineer. Esa has developed a deployment and locking mechanism that fits within the frame surrounding a standard solar panel. It overcomes the performance issues caused by shrinkage which is common in the standard systems that depend on tethers to maintain alignment.

1 an active hinge which provides the kinetic energy of deployment by two redundant torsional springs 2 a passive hinge which controls the rotational speed by means of a brushed dc motor and undergoes locking in the intended position when the solar panel deployment phase finishes. The deployment system is based on a plastic fiber wire and thermal cutters guaranteeing a suitable level of reliability. Satellite solar panel deployment demonstrator. Solar array structures and mechanisms deployment.

Composite structures large flexible array panels solar cells and thin lightweight. Satellite failure history based on presentation at 2005 space power workshop. A test bed for the solar panel deployment testing has been developed supporting the solar array during deployment reproducing the dynamical situation in orbit.