SUBSTANTIATION FOR THE SELECTION OF PARAMETERS FOR ENSURING ELECTROTHERMAL PROTECTION OF SOLAR BATTERIES IN SPACECRAFT POWER SYSTEMS

Abstract

A relevant scientific-practical issue related to the sustainable development of outer space is the selection of optimal parameters of solar panels for the uninterrupted supply of energy in the power plants of spacecraft. It has been determined that advancing energy-efficient technologies is a prerequisite for ensuring stable space activities. The decision-making process regarding the choice of alternative options for ensuring the electrothermal protection of solar panels in the power plants of spacecraft occurs under the conditions of uncertainty and various risks. A methodical approach to assessing the effectiveness of options for building electrothermal protection systems for solar panels in the power plants of spacecraft has been devised. The hierarchical structure of the problem about approving of the choice of electrothermal protection of solar panels has been constructed on the basis of the method of analytical hierarchical process, which makes it possible to derive a set of optimal options. Five alternative options for electrothermal protection of solar panels have been chosen, which, unlike existing ones, take into consideration the phases of the life cycle, namely, the period of active operation. The selection of criteria for choosing the parameters of electrothermal protection of solar panels in the power installations of spacecraft has been substantiated: ensuring the smooth operation of solar panels; availability of service in emergencies; the life cycle of solar panels; the cost of solar panels; technical safety; mass-size indicators. It is argued that the chosen optimal alternative “Solar panels with protection on the basis of self-resetting fuses” could prolong the active life cycle and, as a result, reduce the number of repairs (current and overhaul) of solar panels in space activities. Owing to the use of this option, positive results could be achieved such an increase in the active life cycle by 20 %, as well as an increase in technical safety by 24 %