A short review of radiation-induced degradation of III–V photovoltaic cells for space applications

Raya-Armenta, José Maurilio; Bazmohammadi, Najmeh; Vasquez, Juan C.; Guerrero, Josep M.

doi:10.1016/j.solmat.2021.111379

Cited by 20 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…Extraterrestrial PV cell applications are rather challenging, this is due to the harsh environmental conditions that outer space poses, ranging from space debris, micro sized meteorites, vacuum, high energy particle bombardment, strong electric fields, extreme temperature cycles, a different light spectrum, to several others [7,61,62]. These extreme conditions lead to increased degradation of the semiconductor properties, compromising cell lifetime and efficiency [7,10].…”

Section: Iii-v Alloysmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Earth's magnetosphere shields the surface from an number of high energy particles, trapping charged electrons and protons in two belt regions, known as the Van Allen belt. The atmosphere also plays an important role in radiation filtering, for example, in the ozone layer where UV radiation is absorbed by splitting oxygen molecule bonds [7,10,62,77,105].…”

Section: Cell Degradationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The displacement fosters point defects in the lattice such as vacancies, interstitials and anti-sites. For reference, an impacting 1 MeV electron is accredited for leaving a vacancy and an interstitial in the lattice [62]. These point defects give rise to intermediate energy bands, lower than the band gap energy of the semiconductor, effectively reducing carrier density and lifetime [62].…”

Section: Cell Degradationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For reference, an impacting 1 MeV electron is accredited for leaving a vacancy and an interstitial in the lattice [62]. These point defects give rise to intermediate energy bands, lower than the band gap energy of the semiconductor, effectively reducing carrier density and lifetime [62]. Therefore, any positioning manoeuvre or orbit that crosses one of these belts results in a significant power conversion efficiency loss.…”

Section: Cell Degradationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Photovoltaic Technology Review: History, Fundamentals and Applications

Lameirinhas

Torres

Cunha³

2022

Energies

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Photovoltaic technology has become a huge industry, based on the enormous applications for solar cells. In the 19th century, when photoelectric experiences started to be conducted, it would be unexpected that these optoelectronic devices would act as an essential energy source, fighting the ecological footprint brought by non-renewable sources, since the industrial revolution. Renewable energy, where photovoltaic technology has an important role, is present in 3 out of 17 United Nations 2030 goals. However, this path cannot be taken without industry and research innovation. This article aims to review and summarise all the meaningful milestones from photovoltaics history. Additionally, an extended review of the advantages and disadvantages among different technologies is done. Photovoltaics fundamentals are also presented from the photoelectric effect on a p-n junction to the electrical performance characterisation and modelling. Cells’ performance under unusual conditions are summarised, such as due to temperature variation or shading. Finally, some applications are presented and some project feasibility indicators are analysed. Thus, the review presented in this article aims to clarify to readers noteworthy milestones in photovoltaics history, summarise its fundamentals and remarkable applications to catch the attention of new researchers for this interesting field.

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Section: Iii-v Alloysmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Cell Degradationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Cell Degradationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Cell Degradationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Photovoltaic Technology Review: History, Fundamentals and Applications

Lameirinhas

Torres

Cunha³

2022

Energies

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“…High-efficiency III-V compounds multi-junction solar cells have been implemented in the systems of space power. [1][2][3][4] The epitaxial layer thickness of solar cells is only a few microns, and the flexible solar cells obtained by transfer technology have huge application advantages, such as drones, stratospheric airships, and new energy vehicles. [5][6][7][8] The epitaxial inverted metamorphic growth lattice mismatch InGaAs system material can fully absorb and utilize the solar spectrum, which can achieve the goal of high efficiency of solar cells.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Flexible Encapsulation and Module of Thin‐Film GaInP/GaAs/InGaAs Solar Cells

et al. 2022

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Lightweight and flexible III–V solar cells create new opportunities for application in satellites, drones, and wearable devices. In this article, a module manufacturing scheme based on resistance welding and lamination technology is proposed to meet the demands of practical application. A combined laminate structure of ethylene–tetrafluoroethylene plus ethylene octene copolymer and polyimide is used to encapsulate flexible III–V solar cells. In laboratory measurements with a spectrum close to AM1.5G, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the flexible solar cell is 34.4% with an open‐circuit voltage of 3.04 V, and the efficiency of the flexible module is 32.7% with a weight density of 469 g m−2. The electroluminescence measurements show good performance of the flexible solar cell module, which is expected to achieve large‐size flexible III–V solar cells encapsulation.

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Long‐Term In Situ Performance Comparison of Si and GaAs Solar Arrays in Medium Earth Orbit

Zhao,

Liu,

Yang

et al. 2023

Energy Tech

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The present work analyzes the long‐term in situ comparison of Si and GaAs solar array based on two BeiDou Navigation Satellite System satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO). From the 6 year long‐term perspective, both Si and GaAs solar arrays exhibit significant yearly periodic variations in remote sensing current and temperature due to periodic variations in the Sun–satellite distance. The practical in situ photogenerated current degradation of Si and GaAs solar arrays in MEO orbits is analyzed by the light intensity and working temperature after calibrating. The annual degradation coefficients of Si and GaAs solar arrays are calculated to be 0.986 and 0.990, respectively, which means 13.2% and 9.6% current degradation for Si and GaAs solar arrays at the end of the 10 year life MEO satellite. Also, this article examines the temperature of the MEO orbit, with the working temperature ranging from −144.7 to 56.3 °C for Si solar array and −136.9 to 60.9 °C for GaAs solar array. The present work provides a critical accurate degradation parameter for the MEO satellite's precise design and the space application of the low‐cost silicon solar cell.

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A short review of radiation-induced degradation of III–V photovoltaic cells for space applications

Cited by 20 publications

References 44 publications

A Photovoltaic Technology Review: History, Fundamentals and Applications

A Photovoltaic Technology Review: History, Fundamentals and Applications

Flexible Encapsulation and Module of Thin‐Film GaInP/GaAs/InGaAs Solar Cells

Long‐Term In Situ Performance Comparison of Si and GaAs Solar Arrays in Medium Earth Orbit

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