Masters Theses

Keywords and Phrases

characterization; experiment; photovoltaics; simulation

Abstract

This research delves into the design, implementation, and analysis of a controlled experimental framework for photovoltaic cell characterization and its application in spacecraft power systems. Such a system was simulated and validated by benchmarking characteristics of a photovoltaic module and implementing them in a system design simulation yielding performance data for comparative analysis. A hardware setup was developed to perform IV characterization tests under steady state thermal conditions. Experiments conducted across various thermal regulation profiles helped quantify the effects of temperature on the photovoltaic performance parameters. Active cooling reduced the steady state cell temperature by 17.9% and improved the cell output efficiency 8.3%. The IV characteristics are used in the spacecraft power budget for defining the power generation in the experiment. The spacecraft power system is simulated using relevant hardware components, operating real time mission modes under varying load configurations. Comparative analysis between theoretical power budget and experimental results shows systematic and conversion losses. This highlighted the significance of realistic power flow modeling in the system design experiment. This study establishes a reproducible methodology for bridging static photovoltaic characterization with dynamic spacecraft power system validation.

Advisor(s)

Pernicka, Henry J.

Committee Member(s)

Stutts, Daniel S.
Anklesaria, Yezad H.

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Aerospace Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Fall 2025

Pagination

ix, 83 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes_bibliographical_references_(pages 80-82)

Rights

© 2026 Jay Bakulkumar Kamdar , All Rights Reserved

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 12569

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