ESA Open Invitation to Tender AO10239
Open Date: 27/05/2020
Closing Date: 04/09/2020 13:00:00

Status: ISSUED
Reference Nr.: 20.1TT.53
Prog. Ref.: CC-AT 4.0.1
Budget Ref.: E/0534-01G – CC-AT 4.0.1
Special Prov.: BE+DK+FR+DE+IT+NL+ES+SE+CH+GB+IE+AT+NO+FI+PT+GR+LU+CZ+RO+CA+HU+PL
Tender Type: C
Price Range: > 500 KEURO
Products: Satellites & Probes / Power / Generation: Solar Photovoltaic / Photovoltaic Assemblies
Technology Domains: Spacecraft Electrical Power / Power Generation Technologies / Photovoltaic Generator Technology
Establishment: ESTEC
Directorate: Directorate Telecom & Integrated Applica
Department: Telecom Technologies,Product&Systems Dep
Division: Technologies and Products Division
Contract Officer: Dorval, Nathalie
Industrial Policy Measure: N/A – Not apply
Last Update Date: 27/05/2020
Update Reason: Tender issue

Objective: The objective of the activity is to develop and test coupons of high-power, high-voltage solar arrays (e.g. 300V and more) feeding directly the electric propulsion system. Targeted Improvements: Enabling direct feed of solar array power to electricalpropulsion systems. Description: In order to feed power generated by solar arrays directly into electrical propulsion systems, itis necessary to operate the solar arrays at higher voltages (bus voltages around 300V to 350V, solar array peak voltages up to 1000V at low temperatures). This would simplify the power subsystem. Another advantage of operating solar arrays at higher voltages is a reduction in the weight of the wiring. High power, high voltage solar array design concepts have been developed in an ESA study andenvironmental simulations have been carried out. However, one major concern throughout the study was the lack of available test datafor long-term use of solar array parts under high voltage conditions. This activity addresses this concern. Concepts for solar arrays operated at high voltages will be developed and tested at coupon level. Suitable parts and materials will be identified and evaluated, and assemblies will be developed, built and tested. Based on the results, a properties database will be established for existing or new parts/materials that are compatible with high-power, high-voltage solar array applications, e.g. covering topics such asdielectric robustness, erosion robustness, cold temperature and secondary arcing.