Ultra-lightweight space power from hybrid thin-film solar cells

Hepp, Aloysius F.; McNatt, Jeremiah S.; Bailey, Sheila G.; Raffaelle, Ryne P.; Landi, Brian J.; Sun, Sam-Shajing; Bonner, Carl E.; Banger, Kulbinder K.; Rauh, David

doi:10.1109/maes.2008.4635069

Cited by 11 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 47 publications

(38 reference statements)

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“…[ 4,5 ] However, the output power (1–2 W) generated by a single SC is not enough for space vehicles that require several kW of electric power, thus solar arrays are used. [ 6,7 ] A solar array is made up by several solar panels (or modules), that comprise more SCs connected together (in series and/or parallel ways). Quite differently, for satellites for outer planets missions (i.e., Jupiter 5.2 AU, Saturn 9.6 AU, Uranus 19.2 AU, and Neptune 30.0 AU) [ 3 ] working in low intensity low temperature conditions, NPSs seem the best solution to satisfy mission requirements.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Solar Energy in Space Applications: Review and Technology Perspectives

Verduci

Romano

Brunetti

et al. 2022

Advanced Energy Materials

102

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Solar cells (SCs) are the most ubiquitous and reliable energy generation systems for aerospace applications. Nowadays, III–V multijunction solar cells (MJSCs) represent the standard commercial technology for powering spacecraft, thanks to their high‐power conversion efficiency and certified reliability/stability while operating in orbit. Nevertheless, spacecraft companies are still using cheaper Si‐based SCs to amortize the launching costs of satellites. Moreover, in recent years, new SCs technologies based on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) and perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as promising candidates for aerospace power systems, because of their appealing properties such as lightweightness, flexibility, cost‐effective manufacturing, and exceptional radiation resistance. In this review the current advancements and future challenges of SCs for aerospace applications are critically discussed. In particular, for each type of SC, a description of the device's architecture, a summary of its performance, and a quantitative assessment of the radiation resistance are presented. Finally, considering the high potential that 2D‐materials (such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, and transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides) have in improving both performance and stability of SCs, a brief overview of some important results concerning the influence of radiation on both 2D materials‐based devices and monolayer of 2D materials is also included.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Solar Energy in Space Applications: Review and Technology Perspectives

Verduci

Romano

Brunetti

et al. 2022

Advanced Energy Materials

102

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“…In fact, the possibility to build transparent or semitransparent photovoltaic panels makes DSCs suitable not only for roof mounting, but also for integration in windows, shelters, and facade decorations. In addition, they are very promising for all those applications where costs and power-to-weight ratio have to reach the best trade-off [5]. Incidentally, the development of hybrid solar cells on flexible, lightweight, and durable substrates provides an attractive solution for energy conversion with high mass specific power (W/Kg).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Degradation mechanisms of dye-sensitized solar cells: Light, bias and temperature effects

Cester

Wrachien

Bon

et al. 2015

2015 IEEE International Reliability Physics Symposium

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We analyzed the degradation of dye-sensitized solar cells, subjected to thermal, electrical, and illumination stress, using DC characterization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and UV/VIS spectroscopy. We separated and identified the effects of each stress: temperature mostly affects the dye, UV light mostly degrades the electrolyte and leads to a sudden collapse of the dye, the current flow across the cell is responsible of the corrosion of platinum counter-electrode.

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“…In particular, modern spacecraft need several kilowatts of electric energy, 3 , 4 which is usually produced through photovoltaic (PV) technologies because of the abundance of solar energy and safety requirements, making them preferable to alternatives such as batteries, fuel cells, and nuclear power. 5 , 6 For example, the International Space Station contains four solar arrays made up by >260 000 Si-based solar cells (SCs) producing up to 120 kW.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In particular, modern spacecraft need several kilowatts of electric energy, , which is usually produced through photovoltaic (PV) technologies because of the abundance of solar energy and safety requirements, making them preferable to alternatives such as batteries, fuel cells, and nuclear power. , For example, the International Space Station contains four solar arrays made up by >260 000 Si-based solar cells (SCs) producing up to 120 kW . However, finding materials suitable for space applications is not a trivial task because there are several requirements that must be met: (i) resistance to the harsh space environment, (ii) low weight, (iii) high power conversion efficiency (PCE), and (iv) high gravimetric power (W kg –1 ). ,, Moreover, the cost of PV technologies represents another important factor especially for the realization of extra-terrestrial habitable stations (for example, on the Moon and Mars) and for the new opportunities opened up by the privatization of the space industry (such as space tourism) .…”

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confidence: 99%

“…The aforementioned features of PSCs make them promising candidates for space PVs for many reasons. In particular, low weight and flexibility are pivotal requirements for space applications, not only to reduce the launching costs of spacecraft but also to allow the fabrication of roll-out solar arrays, ,, which are currently produced by using rigid, thick, and heavy SCs (such as Si- and InGaP/GaAs/Ge-based devices). Furthermore, MHPs can be used as light harvesters in both single-junction as well as multijunction SCs with Si, CIGS, and Cu 2 ZnSn(S,Se) 4 . , In this context, it is worth mentioning that MHPs/CIGS multijunction SCs are of particular interest for space applications because CIGS exhibits a high radiation resistance , and can be produced in thin, flexible films .…”

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confidence: 99%

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Advances in Perovskites for Photovoltaic Applications in Space

et al. 2022

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Perovskites have emerged as promising light harvesters in photovoltaics. The resulting solar cells (i) are thin and lightweight, (ii) can be produced through solution processes, (iii) mainly use low-cost raw materials, and (iv) can be flexible. These features make perovskite solar cells intriguing as space technologies; however, the extra-terrestrial environment can easily cause the premature failure of devices. In particular, the presence of high-energy radiation is the most dangerous factor that can damage space technologies. This Review discusses the status and perspectives of perovskite photovoltaics in space applications. The main factors used to describe the space environment are introduced, and the results concerning the radiation hardness of perovskites toward protons, electrons, neutrons, and γ-rays are presented. Emphasis is given to the physicochemical processes underlying radiation damage in such materials. Finally, the potential use of perovskite solar cells in extra-terrestrial conditions is discussed by considering the effects of the space environment on the choice of the architecture and components of the devices.

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Ultra-lightweight space power from hybrid thin-film solar cells

Cited by 11 publications

References 47 publications

Solar Energy in Space Applications: Review and Technology Perspectives

Solar Energy in Space Applications: Review and Technology Perspectives

Degradation mechanisms of dye-sensitized solar cells: Light, bias and temperature effects

Advances in Perovskites for Photovoltaic Applications in Space

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