TKO Off-Grid Power Module

Abstract

The Off-Grid Power Module (OGPM) is a solar panel system designed to power TransAstra’s Sutter Turnkey Observatory (TKO). The module would allow the operation of TKO without being tied to the electrical grid, dramatically expanding the sites that the system can be installed in. The main objectives for the design were for the module to collect and store enough power to operate three TKO telescope modules 95% of the time, for all the components to fit in a standard 20 ft shipping container, and for the system to be able to be feasibly assembled and installed. The resulting design of the system consists of 65 solar panels, 22 lithium batteries, 2 hybrid solar inverters, and a solar array mounting kit. By comparing the theoretical amount of power produced and required to operate the system, and by simulating the probability that the system is able to operate based on weather patterns throughout a calendar year, the selected number of solar panels and batteries in the system were confirmed to meet requirements. The design outlined in this report addresses all design objectives and outlines avenues through which the OGPM could be further developed.