An experimental space-purpose solar cell with a carbon fiber honeycomb frame: features of development and test results

Abstract

The study describes the design, the process of developing and testing an experimental solar cell of S ≈ 110 cm2 for spacecraft with a photogenerating part of three-stage photovoltaic converters on a carbon fiber reinforced plastic honeycomb frame coated with a polyamide. The honeycomb frame was developed and introduced by Keldysh Research Center; design, assembly and testing of an experimental prototype of the solar cell were carried out in JSC SPU «Kvant». The main advantage of the considered sample of the solar cell is a low construction height of the carbon fiber frame with the formed photogenerating part, which increases the power in the starting volume and the specific power at the optimum point while maintaining the required rigidity, lightness, high vibration resistance, resistance to weathering and increased operational reliability. The test modes were selected similar to the ones for solar cells of spacecraft, designed to operate in geostationary orbit. The following tests were carried out: thermal cycling, high humidity, strength with exposure to sinusoidal vibration. Before and after testing of each type, the solar cell was monitored; the electrical insulation resistance and electrical characteristics were checked on a pulsed simulator of an extra-atmospheric sun at room temperature. The test results were recognized as successful: the most sensitive characteristic - short-circuit current, in comparison with the initial value showed a decrease of only 3 %.