Power generation on a solar photovoltaic array integrated with lighter-than-air platform at low altitudes

Highlights: • Determination of the impact of contour on incident solar insolation pattern. • Estimation of the power generation on a contoured surface using fill factor values. • Enhancement of the power generation by ∼8% implementing DMPPT algorithm. • Calculation of the power generation for a given volume of LTAP. • Sizing of the LTAP to develop various peak power systems using certain SPV technology. - Abstract: Multiple challenges in solar photovoltaic (SPV) modules integrated with lighter-than-air platforms (LTAPs) such as choice of solar modules, determination of the optimal method of integration, and optimal design of the array layout to minimize the power loss due to non-uniform illumination (NUI), limit their applications. In this paper, we propose a method for designing such a system and overcoming the aforementioned challenges. We find that our methodology has implications in estimating the onboard power generation for contoured platforms. Also, the impact of the contour on illumination pattern has been determined. Interestingly, we find that the power generation can be enhanced by 8% using distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT) algorithm. Our proposed schemes have application in calculating the power generation for a given volume of LTAP. Further, this study also incorporates the sizing of the platform for developing various peak power systems using specific SPV technology.