Engineering topics

Zerbel, D. W.

Publications and source records attributed to Zerbel, D. W..

3 records

NASA NTRS1972

AC impedance of silicon solar cells.

The equivalent source impedance of a solar array is an important parameter in the design and analysis of solar array power conditioning equipment. Laboratory impedance tests have been performed on individual silicon solar cells and the test results have been correlated with P-N junction theory as developed by Shockley. The impedance has been broken into resistive and reactive components. The impedance has been expressed as a function of DC operating point and frequency. A practical application of the individual cell characteristics is presented in a solar array simulator design.

Zerbel, D. W.↗

NASA NTRS1971

Operating manual: Fast response solar array simulator

The fast response solar array simulator (FRSAS) is a universal solar array simulator which features an AC response identical to that of a real array over a large range of DC operating points. In addition, short circuit current (I sub sc) and open circuit voltage (V sub oc) are digitally programmable over a wide range for use not only in simulating a wide range of array sizes, but also to simulate (I sub sc) and (V sub oc) variations with illumination and temperature. A means for simulation of current variations due to spinning is available. Provisions for remote control and monitoring, automatic failure sensing and warning, and a load simulator are also included.

Vonhatten, R.↗

NASA NTRS1971

Fast response solar array simulator

Tradeoff studies to determine the design requirements for a fast response solar array simulator capable of delivering output power in the range of 20 to 5000 watts are reported. The studies were divided into four major areas: frequency and transient response considerations, digital versus analog characteristic generation and programming, optimum power module size, and accuracy considerations. Based on an evaluation of the tradeoffs, a reference design was selected with a forward biased solar cell as an analog reference, and with current accuracy of + or - 0.5% of the short circuit setting.

Zerbel, D. W.↗