Future market demands require low prices per W(sub p) for satellite solar arrays as well as much higher manufacturing capacities for space solar cells than presently exist. During the last few years, advanced terrestrial crystalline silicon cells have become comparable to space cells with respect to power output and weight. While these solar cells can be manufactured at much lower costs and at higher production rates than present space solar cells, modified terrestrial cells were subjected to all main tests mandatory for space qualification. The tests were performed following the generic specification for space cells, ESA PSS-01-604, and include, among others, the irradiation with 1 MeV electrons up to the extended dose of 3x1016, thermal cycling from -175 to +95 deg C, contact welding and cell interconnection with related stress tests as well as cell performance measurements after each test step. All tests were sucessfully passed without significant degradation. The tests were performed on coupons manufactured by applying standard processes, standard materials and parts. The applicability of standard techniques for the welding of the screen printed contacts as well as of the coverglass bonding process could be verified, coverglasses with AR coating delivered a power gain of up to 3 %. Depending on applications and market demands, modified terrestrial silicon solar cells are now considered suitable for space applications.
Modified terrestrial silicon solar cells for space applications
2000
4 Seiten, 6 Bilder, 2 Tabellen, 2 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
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