Description
The Solar Panel Degradation Model slowly reduces the efficiency of a Solar Panel over time. This model is designed to simulate the natural deterioration that solar panels experience due to exposure to radiation, thermal cycling, and other environmental factors in space.
Example Use Cases
- Long Duration Missions: For simulating efficiency loss in solar panels during extended space missions.
- Life Cycle Analysis: To analyze and predict the power generation capacity of solar panels throughout a spacecraft’s operational life.
- End-of-Life Planning: For determining when power systems may require supplementary power sources or mission adjustments.
Module Implementation
The degradation model for solar panels adjusts the efficiency of the panel by a constant rate over time. The model can be configured when attached to a Solar Panel component. The degradation rate is specified in units of %/year, representing the percentage decrease in solar panel efficiency per year of operation. The efficiency degradation is linear, meaning the solar panel will lose efficiency at a constant rate throughout the simulation.
For example, if a solar panel starts with 30% efficiency and has a degradation rate of 0.5%/year, after 10 years the efficiency will be reduced to 25%.
Assumptions/Limitations
- The degradation is modelled as a constant linear decrease in efficiency, which is a simplification of the actual degradation process.
- The model does not account for potential recovery periods or non-linear degradation that might occur in real solar panels.
- Environmental factors beyond time (such as specific radiation events) are not individually modelled, but can be considered part of the overall degradation rate.
- The model assumes that degradation affects the entire panel uniformly.