A model for calculating the voltage-current characteristic of a solar array in the presence of a temperature gradient by its photovoltaic converters and their variable illumination due to possible pollution under the action of space factors, including operation of electric rocket engines, is described. The model is based on the main equation of a solar cell. In this case both a one-dimensional and a two-dimensional temperature gradients are taken into account. The principles of constructing a model are given, and the initial data selection is made. To simulate the lighting conditions of the solar array such a concept as effective illumination is used, i.e. the density of the radiation flux which falls on photovoltaic converters passing through the protective coatings. The features of simulation of the temperature distribution in the solar array and the effective illumination of its surface in cases of parallel, serial and mixed switching of solar cells are described. The calculation procedures and examples of solar cells are given. The construction of the model in universal mathematical package Mathcad is described. Some simulation results are discussed.
Key words: solar array, mathematical simulation, illumination, temperature gradient, electric rocket engine, spacecraft, Mathcad.
