Abstract
The object of this study is to propose the updated design method for the thin-film solar cell panel, and to clarify the influence of heterogeneity of the material of the thin film panel on the proposed design method. We proposed a hinge-less, ultra-light-weight deployable solar array paddle as a functional/structural integrated structure. In the actual solar panel, many functional materials such as solar cell, cover glass, and circuit lines are integrated and laminated. Therefore, we performed a structural analysis to compare structural characteristics of the homogeneous material with that of the heterogeneous material. We found that the actual thin panel is also improved the bending rigidity by giving the curvature, however, the actual panel structure shows polygonal shape in the cross-section area. Consequently, different modes arise in heterogeneous material. We found that, we must carefully consider the influence of the polygonal shape on the vibration modes in the proposed right-weight design method by mode control.
