Análise de desempenho de um concentrador fotovoltaico de dupla reflexão para aplicação no espaço

Abstract

This work investigates a novel ultracompact photovoltaic microconcentrator configuration applied to the space environment. The topic remains scarcely explored in the literature, representing an opportunity since the technology meets the needs of space exploration, which seeks to combine high performance with reduction of mass and costs. The studied system employs dual-reflection optics with bifacial cells, aiming to increase the acceptance angle – which is a crucial factor in space. The optical performance was analyzed by mapping all ray paths in the system and their respective contributions to the microcell surfaces under different circumstances. An ideal case was simulated, allowing all predicted optical effects under such conditions to be modeled. Alternatives to the use of multijunction cells, such as perovskite, are also suggested. The concentrator, of a parabolic shape, was evaluated under variation of its geometric parameters using the ray-tracing technique in SolTrace. The results are promising, showing an angular acceptance greater than 10◦ with an intercept factor above 0.88, surpassing values reported in the literature. This ultracompact concentrator configuration, based on the obtained results, represents an advance in the state of the art of photovoltaic microconcentrators for space applications and contributes to the development of more efficient, lighter, and lower-cost solutions for future missions.