GaAs solar cells for space applicationsGaAs solar cells offer substantial advantages for space photovoltaic power over Si solar cells in the areas of efficiency, elevated temperature operation, and radiation damage stability. A mission cost comparison is made for GaAs and Si solar cells. For Si cell arrays, the total mission cost is found to be a minimum for a solar concentration of 2.9. For GaAs, modes of operation and construction are investigated. Modes having lower mission costs than the minimum Si mission cost are defined. These include higher concentrations, lightweight cells, and simultaneous power generation and annealing. The technological progress necessary for GaAs to operate in these modes is identified.
Document ID
19800064033
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Conway, E. J. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Walker, G. H. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, Va., United States)
Heinbockel, J. H. (Old Dominion University Norfolk, Va., United States)