Interim results of the SLATS concentrator experiment on LIPS-II (space vehicle power plants)

An analysis of four months of data from SLATS concentrator experiments on LIPS-III is presented. The array panel includes three mirrors, each focusing on two different linear solar cell strings. Small changes in current, voltage, and temperature have been observed in all six experiments. The use of unglassed solar cells on four of the six strings does not seem to affect these performance trends, confirming that the surrounding mirror and cell assembly components can be used as cell shielding. Analysis of current output during off-pointed periods allows a determination of concentrator pointing tolerances. Results show the ability of the design to withstand launch and deployment forces and maintain the accuracy needed for optical efficiency.