Thermoelectric - Photovoltaic modules for operation on satellites.

The primary purpose of this project is to attempt to integrate a photovoltaic panel with a thermoelectric generator and a radiative cooler and develop a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm with associated power converter that can be programmed into an FPGA. The system will demonstrate its potential use for space applications as a viable means of capturing and managing sufficient thermal and electrical energy at economic cost for satellite power and battery temperature conditioning. The project is to be conducted in collaboration with Clydespace Ltd, an SME located in Glasgow who specialise in the development and manufacture of micro satellites and associated technologies. The PhD student identified has worked at Clydespace for several years and leads their analogue and power converter design.