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Analysis of institutional authors

Marín-Coca S, Roibás-Millán E, Pindado SAuthorRoibás-Millán E.AuthorPindado S.Author

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December 18, 2023
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New Sizing Methodology and Efficiency Analysis of Satellite’s Electrical Power Subsystem

Publicated to:Journal Of Spacecraft And Rockets. 60 (6): 1805-1817 - 2023-12-01 60(6), DOI: 10.2514/1.A35609

Authors: Marin-Coca, Sergio; Roibas-Millan, Elena; Pindado, Santiago

Affiliations

Univ Politecn Madrid, IDR Ignacio Da Riva UPM Inst, ETSIAE Escuela Tecn Super Ingn Aeronaut & Espacio, DAVE Dept Aeronaves & Vehiculos Espaciales, Madrid 28040, Spain - Author
Univ Politecn Madrid, IDR UPM Inst, SATAA Dept Sistemas Aerosp Transporte Aereo & Aer, ETSIAE, Madrid 28040, Spain - Author
Univ Politecn Madrid, IDR UPM Inst, SATAA, ETSIAE, Madrid 28040, Spain - Author
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid - Author

Abstract

This paper describes a novel methodology to improve the preliminary design and efficiency analysis of the satellite’s electrical power subsystem. Several studies have addressed this issue by proposing a solar array sizing method based on the use of fixed efficiency paths during sunlight and eclipse periods. Indeed, these studies restrict the use of the battery for eclipse periods, and thus the solar array is sized to support the peak power loads on its own. To the authors’ knowledge, no one has so far deeply and jointly analyzed the influence of the power profile demand, the use of the battery during sunlight periods, and the architecture on the efficiency paths to size the electrical power subsystem. This work offers a methodology that takes into account these variables to better estimate the global efficiency of the electrical power subsystem and, consequently, to refine the first design iterations of a satellite. This methodology is particularized for the most common architectures based on power and voltage bus regulation, although it can be implemented in more complex architectures. A case study involving a real space mission, the UPMSat-2 (a 50 kg satellite launched in September 2020), is conducted to test this methodology.

Keywords

electrical systemsenergy efficiencyinitial sizingphotovoltaic systempower system designrechargeable batterysystemEnergy-storageMicrosatellite

Quality index

Bibliometric impact. Analysis of the contribution and dissemination channel

The work has been published in the journal Journal Of Spacecraft And Rockets due to its progression and the good impact it has achieved in recent years, according to the agency WoS (JCR), it has become a reference in its field. In the year of publication of the work, 2023, it was in position 25/52, thus managing to position itself as a Q2 (Segundo Cuartil), in the category Engineering, Aerospace. Notably, the journal is positioned en el Cuartil Q2 para la agencia Scopus (SJR) en la categoría Aerospace Engineering.

From a relative perspective, and based on the normalized impact indicator calculated from the Field Citation Ratio (FCR) of the Dimensions source, it yields a value of: 1.63, which indicates that, compared to works in the same discipline and in the same year of publication, it ranks as a work cited above average. (source consulted: Dimensions Jul 2025)

Specifically, and according to different indexing agencies, this work has accumulated citations as of 2025-07-25, the following number of citations:

  • WoS: 1
  • Scopus: 1
  • Google Scholar: 2

Impact and social visibility

From the perspective of influence or social adoption, and based on metrics associated with mentions and interactions provided by agencies specializing in calculating the so-called "Alternative or Social Metrics," we can highlight as of 2025-07-25:

  • The use of this contribution in bookmarks, code forks, additions to favorite lists for recurrent reading, as well as general views, indicates that someone is using the publication as a basis for their current work. This may be a notable indicator of future more formal and academic citations. This claim is supported by the result of the "Capture" indicator, which yields a total of: 10 (PlumX).

Leadership analysis of institutional authors

There is a significant leadership presence as some of the institution’s authors appear as the first or last signer, detailed as follows: First Author (MARIN COCA, SERGIO) and Last Author (PINDADO CARRION, SANTIAGO).