An optimization approach for improving the solar array output power of stratospheric aerostat

Solar array is an integral part to the stratospheric aerostat energy system. The output power optimization of solar array needs to be conducted under the weight limitation for stratospheric aerostat long endurance mission. In the present paper, a rotatable system for optimizing the solar array output performance is proposed. Based on the theoretical model consisting of solar radiation model, energy model and optimization model, a MATLAB program is developed to calculate the thermal performance and output performance of solar array. The effects of latitude and flight date on the output performance are investigated in detail, the optimization results are obtained by comparing the rotatable solar array system with the traditional fixed solar array system. Studies have shown that the solar array output power is produced earlier with the rise of latitude and the output power peak value in summer solstice is greater than the values at other flight dates. The rotatable solar array system can comprehensively improve the solar array output power and the output power increment after optimization at high latitude is more than low latitude. The present work has valuable reference in solar array output power optimization and may be used to guide the design of the stratospheric aerostat energy system.