Photoelectric converters in the power supply system of an atmospheric pseudo satellite

Unmanned aerial vehicles have enormous potential and prospects in expanding the field of application from photo and video to providing cellular communications and relaying signals. An atmospheric pseudo satellite that is expected to function exclusively at the expense of solar energy is being developed at S.P. Korolyov Samara National Research University. A study of the efficiency of using photoelectric converters in the onboard equipment of an atmospheric pseudo satellite based on the unmanned aerial vehicle Foton-601 was carried out. A comparative analysis of various types of photovoltaic converters made of amorphous silicon was performed. A mathematical model was developed and the area of solar cells coating required to generate sufficient power was calculated. The mass of the solar cells for the appropriate coating area was calculated. Also, in order to reduce the mass of an unmanned aerial vehicle and, as a result, its energy consumption, a method of mathematical calculation to determine minimum and sufficient required battery capacity was developed, on the basis of the maximum amount of solar energy that can be converted within 24 hours. The results of flight tests were analyzed and the prospects for the use of photoelectric converters as components  of solar cells of atmospheric pseudo satellites were specified.