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Solar Panel Efficiency and Visible Light Detection On High Altitude Balloons

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Abstract

Experiments designed for high-altitude balloons often require some source of electrical power. This design constraint is usually satisfied with consumer-grade batteries such as zinc-carbon dry cells or lithium-ion polymer batteries. This paper explores the feasibility of using small form factor consumer-grade solar panels as a supplementary way to provide this electrical power and the corresponding challenges associated with their introduction. Test flights were conducted with two 2.36-inch by 3.54-inch polysilicon solar panels mounted bilaterally on a 3D-printed payload structure. The corresponding voltages and currents produced by the panels were recorded throughout the high-altitude balloon flight. To record the ambient conditions, luminosity sensors were also mounted in-plane with the solar panels on both sides, and an environmental sensor was used to measure the ambient pressure, temperature, and humidity. In addition to helping analyze the ambient atmospheric conditions, the luminosity sensors also helped normalize the light conditions and readily compare the power generation at different altitudes. General trends were then observed, and the data was plotted. Test flights were conducted in both daylight conditions as well as in the 2024 total solar eclipse. Preliminary data suggests that solar panels may be a useful supplement for power generation on sun-incandescent HAB flights.

Keywords: Solar Panels, Luminosity, Voltage, Current, 3D-Printing, Total Solar Eclipse, Power Generation

How to Cite:

Somov, M. & Venuganti, S., (2024) “Solar Panel Efficiency and Visible Light Detection On High Altitude Balloons ”, Academic High Altitude Conference 2024(2). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/ahac.17926