Fault-Tolerant Solar Array Control Using Digital Signal Processing for Peak Power Tracking

The described power system significantly improves energy conversion efficiency under Low Intensity, Low Temperature (LILT) conditions. Elements of the described DSP-based system apply directly to terrestrial solar power processing needs. Use of this system will enable increased efficiency of solar power processing in many applications that demand low power under adverse insolation conditions. Examples are portable solar-recharged communications systems, solar-powered remote telemetry stations, autonomous geological and seismological monitoring stations, portable remote field equipment, remote sight irrigation and area lighting. The feasibility of this system was evaluated by extensive computer simulation and an engineering demonstration model was designed and fabricated to verify the concept.