Exploring effects of solar-powered airplane operating conditions on solar cell performance

The core components of the solar-powered airplane energy system are solar cells, whose performance is changing as the ambient environment changes; therefore, predicting their performance accurately is the most important job in the conceptual design of solar-powered airplane. Based on the photovoltaic power generation model, this paper predicted solar cell performance by simulating the solar radiation and the solar cell temperature, both of which change hourly as flight time, speed and altitude and other working conditions change. Our results suggest that flight time is the most important impact factor on solar cell performance and the performance indices agree with the asymmetry around 12 o'clock solar time. Changes in flight altitude make the solar radiation and the ambient temperature change; the open circuit voltage, the short circuit current and the peak power will rise 1.52%, 1.49% and 3.65% respectively for 1 km rise in flight altitude. Changes in the flight speed make solar cell temperature change; the open circuit voltage and the peak power will rise by 3.90% and 5.32% respectively but the short circuit current will drop by 0.31% for 10 m/h increase in flight speed. Through the above research, this paper predicted the solar cell performance under different working conditions and laid a theoretical foundation for the correct selection and improvement of Chinese energy systems programs.