The present status and current research directions of photovoltaic arrays as primary power systems for space are reviewed. There have recently been great advances in the technology of thin-film solar cells for terrestrial applications. In a thin-film solar cell the thickness of the active element is only a few microns; transfer of this technology to space arrays could result in ultra low-weight solar arrays with potentially large gains in specific power. Recent advances in thin-film solar cells are reviewed, including polycrystalline copper-indium selenide and related I-III-VI(2) compounds, polycrystalline cadmium telluride and related II-VI compounds, and amorphous silicon: hydrogen and alloys. The best experimental efficiency on thin-film solar cells to date is 12 % AMO for copper-indiumselenide. This efficiency is likely to be increased in the next few years. The radiation tolerance of thin-film materials is far greater than that of single crystal materials. For several missions, including solar-electric propulsion, a manned Mars mission, and lunar exploration and manufacturing, thinfilm photovoltaic arrays may be a mission-enabling technology.


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    Title :

    Advances in thin-film solar cells for lightweight space photovoltaic power


    Additional title:

    Stand der Technik bei Sonnenbatterien in Dünnschichttechnik für Sonnenkraftwerke in Leichtbauweise für Anwendungen im Weltraum


    Contributors:
    Landis, G.A. (author) / Bailey, S.G. (author) / Flood, D.J. (author)

    Published in:

    Space Power ; 8 , 1/2 ; 31-50


    Publication date :

    1989


    Size :

    20 Seiten, 7 Bilder, 1 Tabelle, 51 Quellen


    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




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