AlGaAs-InGaAs SHEP's for space applicationsThe authors propose a novel class of cascade photovoltaics which are intended to overcome two problems with current cascade solar cell designs: poor upper subcell performance and excessive joule losses in the intercell ohmic contact (IOC). The devices feature multijunction upper subcells which improve spectral response by reducing the mean collection distance for photogenerated carriers. They circumvent the need for a monolithic IOC by using npn and pnp three-terminal cells arranged in a complementary configuration. Emphasis is on the AlGaAs-InGaAs system, which allows optimal partitioning of the solar spectrum to attain maximum possible efficiency for a two-gap cascade design. Computer simulations of these cells show that one-sun beginning-of-life efficiencies in excess of 27 percent are possible.
Document ID
19880047021
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Educato, J. L. (Illinois Univ. Urbana, IL, United States)
Wagner, M. (Illinois Univ. Urbana, IL, United States)
Leburton, J. P. (Illinois, University Urbana, United States)