Ground testing of array modules for the photovoltaic array space power (PASP) experimentOne of the objectives of the PASP experiment is the verification of cost-effective ground simulations of high-voltage solar array/space-environment interactions by comparing the results with flight data. These ground tests consist of electrical characterization, thermal cycling, and plasma chamber simulations. The results of the latter tests are reported. Five array modules which are representative of the flight arrays were tested. The module types are planar silicon, planar gallium arsenide, planar silicon passivated with an integrally deposited cover glass, mini-Cassegrainian concentrator, and SLATS concentrator. The modules were biased to -1000 V in varying plasma densities from 4 x 103 to 2 x 105 e-/cu cm. Each array was tested in both dark and illuminated conditions with a load resistance. In addition to monitoring arcing during the plasma tests, the arrays were visually inspected and electrically characterized before and after exposure in the chamber. The electrical results are tabulated and briefly discussed.
Document ID
19880047117
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Morris, Robert K. (USAF, Wright Aeronautical Laboratories, Wright-Patterson AFB OH, United States)
Grier, Norman T. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)