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Space photovoltaics
Author(s) -
Bailey Sheila G.,
Flood Dennis J.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
progress in photovoltaics: research and applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.286
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1099-159X
pISSN - 1062-7995
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-159x(199801/02)6:1<1::aid-pip204>3.0.co;2-x
Subject(s) - photovoltaics , geosynchronous orbit , solar cell , photovoltaic system , concentrator , spacecraft , geostationary orbit , engineering physics , aerospace engineering , context (archaeology) , satellite , electrical engineering , optics , optoelectronics , physics , engineering , geology , paleontology
The key elements of spacecraft photovoltaic cell and array design are identified and the historical development of space photovoltaics is discussed. Important parameters are listed for earth orbiting, near‐earth, near‐sun and outer planetary missions. The earth‐orbiting missions are described within the context of low earth orbit, mid‐altitude earth orbit and geosynchronous earth orbit. Requirements governed by the choice of mission, such as total power, insolation, temperature, radiation environment and stowed volume, are discussed with respect to the solar cell parameters important to that mission (conversion efficiency, weight, tolerance to the space radiation environment, cost and availability). Array parameters (dollars per watt, watts per kilogram, watts per square meter) are discussed for three types of arrays (rigid, lightweight flexible and concentrator). Progress in cell efficiencies is noted with a record GaInP/GaAs cell efficiency of 26·9%. Recent advances in thin‐film cells (copper–indium diselenide and amorphous silicon) are discussed. Manufacturing capability and progress in multiple bandgap cells is noted. Space photovoltaics can look forward to an exciting next 10 years as the demand for a variety of satellites continues to grow. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. This paper was produced under the auspices of the US Government and it is therefore not subject to copyright in the USA