This paper will look at the novel development of an affordable thin film cell for space use that promises an alternative path to the higher cost III-V solar cell development. The finished product will be a thin film cell of CdTe applied to a toughened large area flexible space qualified coverglass (Qioptiq CMG), the first time that this has been attempted. An efficiency of at least 14% AM0 is expected to be achieved. The programme has started with the successful application of the transparent conductive oxide to CMG glass. The work will then continue with the application of the cadmium telluride and the initial measurements of efficiency; further optimising the cell design and increasing the deposition area on the CMG glass; and then laser scribing the total area into series cells to produce higher voltage modules. In parallel with this the important environmental testing to meet the stringent conditions encountered in space will be undertaken. Further work on the completion of the programme will be discussed. This will include an array level development that exploits the thin film cell properties. In parallel with this flight opportunities on microsat missions will also be discussed in order for the cell type to gain flight heritage.
Cadmium telluride thin film photovoltaics for space application
2014
6 Seiten, Bilder, Tabellen, 9 Quellen
Conference paper
Storage medium
English
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