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Advantages of thin silicon solar cells for use in spaceA system definition study on the Solar Power Satellite System showed that a thin, 50 micrometers, silicon solar cell has significant advantages. The advantages include a significantly lower performance degradation in a radiation environment and high power-to-mass ratios. The advantages of such cells for an employment in space is further investigated. Basic questions concerning the operation of solar cells are considered along with aspects of radiation induced performance degradation. The question arose in this connection how thin a silicon solar cell had to be to achieve resistance to radiation degradation and still have good initial performance. It was found that single-crystal silicon solar cells could be as thin as 50 micrometers and still develop high conversion efficiencies. It is concluded that the use of 50 micrometer silicon solar cells in space-based photovoltaic power systems would be advantageous.
Document ID
19780069701
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Denman, O. S.
(Boeing Aerospace Co. Seattle, Wash., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1978
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
AAS PAPER 78-024A
Meeting Information
Meeting: Goddard Memorial Symposium
Location: Washington, DC
Country: US
Start Date: March 8, 1978
End Date: March 10, 1978
Sponsors: American Astronautical Society, Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt
Accession Number
78A53610
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS9-15196
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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