Effects of internal luminescence and internal optics on V-oc and J(sc) of III-V solar cells

For solar cells dominated by radiative recombination, the performance can be significantly enhanced by improving the internal optics. Internally radiated photons can be directly emitted from the cell, but if confined by good internal reflectors at the front and back of the cell they can also be re-absorbed with a significant probability. This so-called photon recycling leads to an increase in the equilibrium minority carrier concentration and therefore the open-circuit voltage, Voc. In multijunction cells, the internal luminescence from a particular junction can also be coupled into a lower bandgap junction where it generates photocurrent in addition to the externally generated photocurrent, and affects the overall performance of the tandem. We demonstrate and discuss the implications of a detailed model that we have developed for real, non-idealized solar cells that calculates the external luminescent efficiency, accounting for wavelength-dependent optical properties in each layer, parasitic optical and electrical losses, multiple reflections within the cell and isotropic internal emission. The calculation leads to Voc, and we show data on high quality GaAs cells that agree with the trends in the model as the optics are systematically varied. For multijunction cells the calculation also leads to the luminescent coupling efficiency, and we show data on GaInP/GaAs tandems where the trends also agree as the coupling is systematically varied. In both cases, the effects of the optics are most prominent in cells with good material quality. The model is applicable to any solar cell for which the optical properties of each layer are well-characterized, and can be used to explore a wide phase space of design for single junction and multijunction solar cells.

Exploring the link between sustainability reporting and sustainability management: a conceptual framework.

Sustainability managementand Sustainability Reporting (SR) practices have dramatically increased during the last two decades, raising important questions about the relationship between internal practices and external communication. Previous literature on SR has almost exclusively highlighted the role of institutional and stakeholder pressures in driving its adoption. However, as surveys among reporters also identify internal benefits of SR, its full role for company-level sustainability management remains unclear. In order to address this question, we develop a framework accounting for four SR configurations, stemming from different levels of relative importance of external and internal motives for SR. A multiple case study involving four large Spanish companies serves to illustrate the framework and to identify company-level factors that act both as enablers and barriers of SR internal relevance. We conclude that motivations for SR, along with such internal factors, decisively influence its contribution to sustainability management.

A characterisation of passive and active interactions and their influence on student's achievement using Moodle LMS Logs

During the last years, there has been much concern about learning management systems' (LMS) effectiveness when compared to traditional learning and about how to assess students' participation during the course. The tracking and monitoring capabilities of most recent LMS have made it possible to analyse every interaction in the system. The issues addressed on this study are: a) Is LMS student's interaction an indicator of academic performance?; b) Are different results in performance expected between distance and in-class LMS-supported education?; c) How can LMS interactions from logs be categorised?; d) May this categorisation detect 'learning witnesses'? To answer these questions, a set of interaction types from Moodle LMS activity record logs has been analysed during two years in online and in-class Master's degrees at the UPM. The results show partial or no evidence of influence between interaction indicators and academic performance, although the proposed categorisation may help detect learning witnesses.

Do body mass index, sex, treatment and age influence the body weight loss?

¿Influye el índice de masa corporal, el sexo, el tratamiento y la edad en la pérdida de peso?

A model of amacrine and ganglion cells for optical information processing

Based on a previously reported logic cell structure (see SPIE, vol. 2038, p. 67-77, 1993), the two types of cells present at the inner and ganglion cell layers of the vertebrate retina and their intracellular response, as well as their connections with each other, have been simulated. These cells are amacrines and ganglion cells. The main scheme of the authors' configuration is shown in a figure. These two types of cells, as well as some of their possible interconnections, have been implemented with the authors' previously reported optical-processing element. As it has been shown, the authors' logic structure is able to process two optical input binary signals, being the output two logical functions. Moreover, if a delayed feedback from one of the two possible outputs to one or both of the inputs is introduced, a very different behaviour is obtained. Depending on the value of the time delay, an oscillatory output can be obtained from a constant optical input signal. Period and length pulses are dependent on delay values, both external and internal, as well as on other control signals. Moreover, a chaotic behaviour can be obtained too under certain conditions

Background noise and its influence on the brain waves related to attention

In this work, we present a study whose objective is to prove the influence of background noise produced inside university facilities on the brain waves related to attention processes. Recordings of background noise were carried out in study areas inside university facilities. Volunteers were asked to perform an attention test without any background noise but also while being exposed to the sound recordings, and their cerebral activity was recorded through electroencephalography (EEG). After the application of the test in both conditions, changes in the frequency bands related to attention processes (beta 13-30 Hz and theta 4-7 Hz) were studied. The results of this study show that when the students were performing the test while being exposed to background noise, both beta and theta frequency bands decreased statistically significantly. Because attentional improvement is related to increases of the beta and theta waves, we believe that those decreases are directly related to a lack of attention caused by the exposure to background noise. Nevertheless, the results do not allow us to conclude that background noise produced inside university facilities has an influence on the attentional processes.

Tree and grazing influence on herbaceous pasture diversity in the Dehesa agroforestry system

Mediterranean Dehesas are one of the European natural habitat types of Community interest (43/92/EEC Directive), associated to high diversity levels and producer of important goods and services. In this work, tree contribution and grazing influence over pasture alpha diversity in a Dehesa in Central Spain was studied. We analyzed Richness and Shannon-Wiener (SW) indexes on herbaceous layer under 16 holms oak trees (64 sampling units distributed in two directions and in two distances to the trunk) distributed in four different grazing management zones (depending on species and stocking rate). Floristic composition by species or morphospecies and species abundance were analyzed for each sample unit. Linear mixed models (LMM) and generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) were used to study relationships between alpha diversity measures and independent factors. Edge crown influence showed the highest values of Richness and SW index. No significant differences were found between orientations under tree crown influence. Grazing management had a significant effect over Richness and SW measures, specially the grazing species (cattle or sheep). We preliminary quantify and analyze the interaction of tree stratum and grazing management over herbaceous diversity in a year of extreme climatic conditions.

Crop rotation and residues influence N2O emission and N efficiency rather than tillage under a rainfed Mediterranean agroecosystem

Conservation tillage and crop rotation have spread during the last decades because promotes several positive effects (increase of soil organic content, reduction of soil erosion, and enhancement of carbon sequestration) (Six et al., 2004). However, these benefits could be partly counterbalanced by negative effects on the release of nitrous oxide (N2O) (Linn and Doran, 1984). There is a lack of data on long-term tillage system study, particularly in Mediterranean agro-ecosystems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of long-term (>17 year) tillage systems (no tillage (NT), minimum tillage (MT) and conventional tillage (CT)); and crop rotation (wheat (W)-vetch (V)-barley (B)) versus wheat monoculture (M) on N2O emissions. Additionally, Yield-scaled N2O emissions (YSNE) and N uptake efficiency (NUpE) were assessed for each treatment.

Aerodynamic loads on bluff bodies under wind gusts

Esta tesis doctoral se ha centrado en el estudio de las cargas aerodinámicas no estacionario en romos cuerpos o no aerodinámicos (bluff bodies). Con este objetivo se han identificado y analizado los siguientes puntos: -Caracterización del flujo medido con diferentes tipos de tubos de Pitot y anemómetro de hilo caliente en condiciones de flujo no estacionario inestable generado por un túnel aerodinamico de ráfagas. -Diseño e integración de los montajes experimentales requeridos para medir las cargas de viento internas y externas que actúan sobre los cuerpos romos en condiciones de flujo de viento con ráfagas. -Implementación de modelos matemáticos semi-empíricos basados en flujo potencial y las teorías fenomenológicas pertinentes para simular los resultados experimentales. -En diversan condiciones de flujo con ráfagas, la identificación y el análisis de la influencia de los parámetros obtenida a partir de los modelos teóricos desarrollados. -Se proponen estimaciones empíricas para averiguar los valores adecuados de los parámetros que influyente, mediante el ajuste de los resultados experimentales y los predichos teóricamente. Los montajes experimentales se has reakizado en un tunel aerodinamico de circuito abierto, provisto de baja velocidad, cámara de ensayes cerrada, un nuevo concepto de mecanismo generador de ráfaga sinusoidal, diseñado y construido en el Instituto de Microgravedad "Ignacio Da Riva" de la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, (IDR / UPM). La principal característica de este túnel aerodynamico es la capacidad de generar un flujo con un perfil de velocidad uniforme y una fluctuación sinusoidal en el tiempo. Se han realizado pruebas experimentales para estudiar el efecto de los flujos no estacionarios en cuerpos romos situados en el suelo. Se han propuesto dos modelos teóricos para diterminar las cargas de presión externas e internas respectivamente. Con el fin de satisfacer la necesidad de la crea ráfagas de viento sinusoidales para comprobar las predicciones de los modelos teóricos, se han obtenido velocidades de hasta 30 m/s y frecuencias ráfaga de hasta 10 Hz. La sección de la cámara de ensayos es de 0,39 m x 0,54 m, dimensiónes adecuadas para llevar a cabo experimentos con modelos de ensayos. Se muestra que en la gama de parámetros explorados los resultados experimentales están en buen acuerdo con las predicciones de los modelos teóricos. Se han realizado pruebas experimentales para estudiar los efectos del flujo no estacionario, las cuales pueden ayudar a aclarar el fenómeno de las cargas de presión externa sobre los cuerpos romos sometidos a ráfagas de viento: y tambien para determinan las cargas de presión interna, que dependen del tamaño de los orificios de ventilación de la construcción. Por último, se ha analizado la contribución de los términos provenientes del flujo no estacionario, y se han caracterizado o los saltos de presión debido a la pérdida no estacionario de presión a través de los orificios de ventilación. ABSTRACT This Doctoral dissertation has been focused to study the unsteady aerodynamic loads on bluff bodies. To this aim the following points have been identified and analyzed: -Characterization of the flow measured with different types of Pitot tubes and hot wire anemometer at unsteady flow conditions generated by a gust wind tunnel. -Design and integrating of the experimental setups required to measure the internal and external wind loads acting on bluff bodies at gusty wind flow conditions. -Implementation of semi-empirical mathematical models based on potential flow and relevant phenomenological theories to simulate the experimental results.-At various gusty flow conditions, extracting and analyzing the influence of parameters obtained from the developed theoretical models. -Empirical estimations are proposed to find out suitable values of the influencing parameters, by fitting the experimental and theoretically predicted results. The experimental setups are performed in an open circuit, closed test section, low speed wind tunnel, with a new sinusoidal gust generator mechanism concept, designed and built at the Instituto de Microgravedad “Ignacio Da Riva” of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, (IDR/UPM). The main characteristic of this wind tunnel is the ability to generate a flow with a uniform velocity profile and a sinusoidal time fluctuation of the speed. Experimental tests have been devoted to study the effect of unsteady flows on bluff bodies lying on the ground. Two theoretical models have been proposed to measure the external and internal pressure loads respectively. In order to meet the need of creating sinusoidal wind gusts to check the theoretical model predictions, the gust wind tunnel maximum flow speed and, gust frequency in the test section have been limited to 30 m/s and 10 Hz, respectively have been obtained. The test section is 0.39 m × 0.54 m, which is suitable to perform experiments with testing models. It is shown that, in the range of parameters explored, the experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical model predictions. Experimental tests have been performed to study the unsteady flow effects, which can help in clarifying the phenomenon of the external pressure loads on bluff bodies under gusty winds: and also to study internal pressure loads, which depend on the size of the venting holes of the building. Finally, the contribution of the unsteady flow terms in the theoretical model has been analyzed, and the pressure jumps due to the unsteady pressure losses through the venting holes have been characterized.

3-D modeling of perimeter recombination in GaAs diodes and its influence on concentrator solar cells

This paper describes a complete modelling of the perimeter recombination of GaAs diodes which solves most unknowns and suppresses the limitations of previous models. Because of the three dimensional nature of the implemented model, it is able to simulate real devices. GaAs diodes on two epiwafers with different base doping levels, sizes and geometries, namely square and circular are manufactured. The validation of the model is achieved by fitting the experimental measurements of the dark IV curve of the manufactured GaAs diodes. A comprehensive 3-D description of the occurring phenomena affecting the perimeter recombination is supplied with the help of the model. Finally, the model is applied to concentrator GaAs solar cells to assess the impact of their doping level, size and geometry on the perimeter recombination.

Life cycle assessment of concentrated solar power (CSP) and the influence of hybridising with natural gas

Purpose Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants based on parabolic troughs utilize auxiliary fuels (usually natural gas) to facilitate start-up operations, avoid freezing of HTF and increase power output. This practice has a significant effect on the environmental performance of the technology. The aim of this paper is to quantify the sustainability of CSP and to analyse how this is affected by hybridisation with different natural gas (NG) inputs. Methods A complete Life Cycle (LC) inventory was gathered for a commercial wet-cooled 50 MWe CSP plant based on parabolic troughs. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the environmental performance of the plant operating with different NG inputs (between 0 and 35% of gross electricity generation). ReCiPe Europe (H) was used as LCA methodology. CML 2 baseline 2000 World and ReCiPe Europe E were used for comparative purposes. Cumulative Energy Demands (CED) and Energy Payback Times (EPT) were also determined for each scenario. Results and discussion Operation of CSP using solar energy only produced the following environmental profile: climate change 26.6 kg CO2 eq/KWh, human toxicity 13.1 kg 1,4-DB eq/KWh, marine ecotoxicity 276 g 1,4-DB eq/KWh, natural land transformation 0.005 m2/KWh, eutrophication 10.1 g P eq/KWh, acidification 166 g SO2 eq/KWh. Most of these impacts are associated with extraction of raw materials and manufacturing of plant components. The utilization NG transformed the environmental profile of the technology, placing increasing weight on impacts related to its operation and maintenance. Significantly higher impacts were observed on categories like climate change (311 kg CO2 eq/MWh when using 35 % NG), natural land transformation, terrestrial acidification and fossil depletion. Despite its fossil nature, the use of NG had a beneficial effect on other impact categories (human and marine toxicity, freshwater eutrophication and natural land transformation) due to the higher electricity output achieved. The overall environmental performance of CSP significantly deteriorated with the use of NG (single score 3.52 pt in solar only operation compared to 36.1 pt when using 35 % NG). Other sustainability parameters like EPT and CED also increased substantially as a result of higher NG inputs. Quasilinear second-degree polynomial relationships were calculated between various environmental performance parameters and NG contributions. Conclusions Energy input from auxiliary NG determines the environmental profile of the CSP plant. Aggregated analysis shows a deleterious effect on the overall environmental performance of the technology as a result of NG utilization. This is due primarily to higher impacts on environmental categories like climate change, natural land transformation, fossil fuel depletion and terrestrial acidification. NG may be used in a more sustainable and cost-effective manner in combined cycle power plants, which achieve higher energy conversion efficiencies.

Asociación entre caracteres biométricos y calidad fisiológica en semillas de tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

La clasificación de las semillas de especies olerícolas se realiza principalmente por peso y tamaño, con criterios similares a los aplicados en cereales y leguminosas, en que se asocia positivamente estos atributos físicos con la calidad fisiológica. No obstante lo anterior, en diversas especies de hortalizas la información es escasa y contradictoria al respecto, lo que motiva la realización de la presente investigación. En semillas de tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.) se determinó el efecto del peso y tamaño sobre la calidad fisiológica expresada como germinación y vigor. Además, se correlacionaron los resultados de las pruebas de evaluación de calidad fisiológica y se describieron variables del crecimiento y desarrollo. Se utilizaron lotes de diferentes variedades de semillas híbridas de cuatro temporadas, producidas en un clima templado cálido con lluvias invernales y estación seca prolongada (32º 54’ y 34° 21´ latitud Sur). Se midió peso y tamaño de semillas, además en dos temporadas se evaluaron las características internas de área y peso de embrión y área de endospermo. Se determinó la calidad de las semillas con la prueba de germinación y según fuera el año de estudio se midió vigor con las pruebas de envejecimiento acelerado, de plantas útiles al trasplante y de plántulas emergidas. Con análisis de imágenes y rayos X se extrajeron datos del tamaño externo e interno de las semillas y plántulas. Los lotes se compararon mediante análisis de varianza y las medias con la prueba de Tukey, la asociación entre dos variables se determinó con correlaciones de Pearson, las variables de peso y tamaño de la semilla y su relación con las pruebas de calidad, se analizaron mediante regresiones múltiples. Se utilizó un nivel de significación de 0,05 de probabilidad. Los resultados indicaron que el tamaño y no el peso de las semillas de tomate, diferenciaron calidad entre lotes en las diversas variedades. La prueba de germinación tuvo una baja sensibilidad para discriminar lotes, además de una escasa correlación con las características físicas de las semillas, cuando hubo asociación, la relación fue débil y negativa. La prueba de vigor de envejecimiento acelerado diferenció lotes y presentó escasa asociación con las características físicas de las semillas. El número de semillas germinadas en la prueba de envejecimiento acelerado se explicó por el efecto del tamaño de las semillas, mientras que las fracciones de descarte se asociaron con el peso de las mismas. La prueba de vigor de plantas útiles al trasplante no discriminó entre lotes. Tuvo una asociación débil con el peso y tamaño de las semillas. El modelo asociado a esta relación explicó con un alto coeficiente de determinación que el peso de la semilla influyó sobre la emergencia temprana, mientras que la relación fue menor y negativa con plantas de mayor desarrollo. La prueba de vigor de plántulas emergidas discriminó lotes de semillas con plántulas de 3 a 5 días después de siembra. Hubo escasa y débil asociación entre esta prueba y las características de peso y tamaño las semillas. El modelo de predicción de plántulas emergidas fue particular en cada temporada, cuando hubo un coeficiente de determinación alto influyó negativamente el peso o tamaño de la semilla. Entre las pruebas de calidad fisiológica evaluadas en semillas de tomate hubo escasas correlaciones significativas. Entre germinación y vigor las correlaciones significativas fueron débiles y sólo se encontraron en algunas temporadas de evaluación. Entre las pruebas de vigor no hubo asociación. En las pruebas de vigor de plantas útiles al trasplante y de plántulas emergidas, los cotiledones alcanzaron el mayor porcentaje de materia seca y se correlacionaron fuertemente con la materia seca total. En la prueba de plántulas emergidas la materia seca de las radículas diferenció parcialmente lotes de semillas al igual que la longitud total y de las radículas. La longitud de la radícula se correlacionó fuertemente con la longitud total de plántulas. ABSTRACT Seed selection for olericultural species is mainly carried out considering weight and size with similar criteria to those applied in cereals and legumes where size and physiological quality are favorably associated. However, information about several species is limited and contradictory regarding the above, leading to the present research. In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seeds, the effect of weight and size on the physiological quality expressed as germination and vigor was determined. In addition, results of quality evaluation tests were correlated and variables of growth and development were described. Batches of hybrid seeds from four seasons were used. These seeds were produced in a mild warm climate with winter rainfalls and long dry season (32º 54’ and 34° 21´South Latitude). Seed weight and size were determined, additionally internal characteristics such as embryo area and weight as well as endosperm area were evaluated in two seasons. The quality of seeds was established using the germination test and, depending on the year of the study, vigor was measured through accelerated aging tests for plants useful for transplanting and emerged seedlings. Using imaging analysis and X rays, data regarding external and internal size of seeds and seedlings were obtained. Batches were compared through ANOVA and means using Tukey’s test; the association between both variables was determined with Pearson correlations, whereas variables of seed weight and size and their relation to quality tests were analyzed through multiple regressions. A significance level of 0.05 probability was used. Results showed that the size (but not the weight) of tomatoes differentiates quality between batches from several seasons. The germination test was not sensitive enough to discriminate batches in addition to having a limited correlation with the characteristics of seeds, when they were associated, the relation was weak and unfavorable. Vigor test for accelerated aging made the difference between batches and presented low association with physical characteristics of the seeds. The number of germinated seeds in the accelerated aging test was explained by the effect of the seed size, whereas cull fractions were associated with their weight. The vigor test of plants useful for transplanting did not discriminate between batches. The association with seed weight and size was weak. The model associated to this relation explained, with a high coefficient determination, that the seed weight had influence on early emergence, whereas the relation was minor and unfavorable with more developed plants. Vigor test of emerged seedlings discriminated batches of seeds with seedlings of 3 to 5 days after sowing. There was a limited and weak association between this test and the characteristics of seed weight and size. The prediction model for seedlings emerged was particular in each season, when the determination coefficient was high, seed weight and size influenced negatively. Among the physiological quality tests evaluated in tomato seeds, significant correlations were negligible. Between germination and vigor, significant correlations were poor, being only found in some evaluation seasons. There was no association in the vigor tests. In vigor tests for plants useful for transplanting and emerged seedlings, cotyledons reached the highest percentage of dry matter and were strongly correlated with total dry matter. In the test of emerged seedlings, dry matter of radicles partially differentiated batches of seeds as well as total length and radicles. Radicle length was strongly correlated with total seedlings length.

Numerical and experimental study of appendages in racing yachts and their influence on the free surface

Las prestaciones de un velero de regatas se estiman por medio de los Programas de Predicción de Velocidad (VPP) que incluyen las características de estabilidad y modelos aero e hidrodinámico del barco. Por esta razón, es importante tener una evaluación adecuada de las fuerzas en apéndices y de su variación en diferentes condiciones de navegación, escora y deriva. Además, para el cálculo de las fuerzas en los apéndices es importante conocer sus características hidrodinámicas cuando trabajan conjuntamente en un campo fluido fuertemente modificado por la carena. Por esta razón, se han utilizado una serie de ensayos realizados en el Canal de Ensayos de la ETSIN con el objetivo de validar códigos numéricos que permiten una evaluación más rápida y focalizada en los distintos fenómenos que se producen. Dichos ensayos se han realizado de forma que pudiera medirse independientemente las fuerzas hidrodinámicas en cada apéndice, lo que permitirá evaluar el reparto de fuerzas en diferentes condiciones de navegación para poder profundizar en las interacciones entre carena, quilla y timón. Las técnicas numéricas permiten capturar detalles que difícilmente se pueden visualizar en ensayos experimentales. En este sentido, se han probado las últimas técnicas utilizadas en los últimos workshops y se ha enfocado el estudio a un nuevo método con el objetivo de mostrar una metodologia más rápida que pueda servir a la industria para este tipo de aproximación al problema. ABSTRACT The performances of a racing sailboat are estimated by means of the speed prediction programs (VPP), which include the ship stability characteristics and the aero and hydrodynamic models. For this reason, it is important to have an adequate evaluation of the forces in appendices and its variation in different sailing conditions, heel and leeway Moreover, for the analysis of the forces in the appendices, it is important to know their hydrodynamic characteristics when they work together in a fluid field strongly modified by the canoe body. For this reason, several tests have been done in the ETSIN towing tank with the aim to validate numeric codes that allowing faster analysis and they permit to focus on the different phenomena that occur there. Such tests have been done in a way that the hydrodynamic forces in each appendage could be measured independently allowing assessing the distribution of forces in different sailing conditions to be able to deepen the interactions between the canoe body, the keel and the rudder. Numerical techniques allow capturing details that can hardly be displayed in experimental tests. In this sense, the latest techniques used in the recent workshops have been reviewed and the study has been focused to propose a new model with the aim to show a new faster methodology which serves the industry for this type of approach to the problem.

An experimental study on the effect of rolling shutters on the field measurements of airborne sound insulation of façades

The façade is the visible part of a building, and generally consists of various different constructive systems. The sound reduction index of the closing elements for the openings on a room’s façade is a determining factor in the sound insulation from airborne noise inside the space. Windows are the transparent part of the façade, and to improve their thermal behaviour and control solar radiation, they are often fitted with a series of external and internal protections such as shutters, slats and blinds. This work contains a summary of studies carried out using field measurements of airborne sound insulation on façades in rooms, in application of the standard UNE-EN ISO 140-5:1999. In all the rooms the windows were fitted with shutter boxes and rolling shutters, and the acoustic tests were made with the shutter in two positions (extended and fully retracted). The results were analysed considering the window opening system (openable or sliding) and the type of glass pane (monolithic or insulating glass unit, IGU). In the case of sliding windows, the airborne sound insulation of façades is greater when the shutter is extended than when it is retracted, and this should be taken into account when applying the aforementioned standard.

Orbital debris mitigation through deorbiting with passive electrodynamic drag

The increase of orbital debris and the consequent proliferation of smaller objects through fragmentation are driving the need for mitigation strategies. The issue is how to deorbit the satellite with an efficient system that does not impair drastically the propellant budget of the satellite and, consequently, reduces its operating life. We have been investigating, in the framework of a European-Community-funded project, a passive system that makes use of an electrodynamics tether to deorbit a satellite through Lorentz forces. The deorbiting system will be carried by the satellite itself at launch and deployed from the satellite at the end of its life. From that moment onward the system operates passively without requiring any intervention from the satellite itself. The paper summarizes the results of the analysis carried out to show the deorbiting performance of the system starting from different orbital altitudes and inclinations for a reference satellite mass. Results can be easily scaled to other satellite masses. The results have been obtained by using a high-fidelity computer model that uses the latest environmental routines for magnetic field, ionospheric density, atmospheric density and a gravity field model. The tether dynamics is modelled by considering all the main aspects of a real system as the tether flexibility and its temperature-dependent electrical conductivity. Temperature variations are computed by including all the major external and internal input fluxes and the thermal flux emitted from the tether. The results shows that a relatively compact and light system can carry out the complete deorbit of a relatively large satellite in a time ranging from a month to less than a year starting from high LEO with the best performance occurring at low orbital inclinations.