Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

Jason Shelton

Publication Date

9-26-2008

Abstract

Optical power transfer has several advantages that make this technology useful in many applications. Optical power transfer is immune to the noise generating effects of Radio Frequency (RF) and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). Transferring power optically also has the benefit of generating electricity in regions where electrical isolation is required. Using Series Connected Photovoltaic Arrays (SCPA) for voltage conversion has the advantage in that high voltage can be directly generated in a small volume. These advantages have led to applications in which the optical power is transferred over a fiber optic and converted to electrical power by using an SCPA. Fiber optic illumination is non-uniform and the current generated by an SCPA is limited by the photocell with the least amount of illumination. This thesis addresses the effects of Gaussian and step-index multi-mode optical fiber illumination on the performance of SCPAs. PSpice models are developed and system design criteria in which to achieve optimum SCPA performance are given.

Sponsors

Sandia National Laboratories

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Degree Name

Electrical Engineering

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Electrical and Computer Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Lester, Luke

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