What would you change?

Forum: SSI-List
Thread: What would you change?

# 17716 byArthur P. Smith on July 2, 2003, 10:19 p.m.
Member since 2022-08-22

> Thanks for the tip. Is the 12 or 24 V standard something that you
> prefer? [...]
>
> But why 12 or 24 V? Why not 25 or 50V? I know that 12V is a standard
> on Earth, but need it be in orbit?

well, we will be bringing up small things that require power, even
if not large appliances. Anyway, "12 V" often means things are actually
14 volts or a bit more, depending on the circumstance, so the main
thing is really the rough scale we're talking about.

Solar panels generate about 1/2 volt DC per cell, so the structure
of any voltovoltaic arrays in use would determine input power to
the base distribution system. Though you'd expect all sorts of
batteries and other regulators in between to keep power levels
steady.

Arthur