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Flexible polycrystalline thin-film photovoltaics for space applicationsPolycrystalline thin-film photovoltaics (PV), such as CIS and CdTe, have received considerable attention recently with respect to space power applications. Their combination of stability, efficiency, and economy from large-scale monolithic-integration of modules can have significant impact on cost and weight of PV arrays for spacecraft and planetary experiments. An added advantage, due to their minimal thickness (approximately 6 microns sans substrate), is the ability to manufacture lightweight, flexible devices (approximately 2000 W/kg) using large-volume manufacturing techniques. The photovoltaic effort at Martin Marietta and ISET is discussed, including large-area, large-volume thin-film deposition techniques such as electrodeposition and rotating cylindrical magnetron sputtering. Progress in the development of flexible polycrystalline thin-film PV is presented, including evaluation of flexible CIS cells. In addition, progress on flexible CdTe cells is presented. Finally, examples of lightweight, flexible arrays and their potential cost and weight impact is discussed.
Document ID
19940006921
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Armstrong, J. H.
(Martin Marietta Aerospace Denver, CO, United States)
Lanning, B. R.
(Martin Marietta Aerospace Denver, CO, United States)
Misra, M. S.
(Martin Marietta Aerospace Denver, CO, United States)
Kapur, V. K.
(International Solar Electric Technology Inglewood, CA., United States)
Basol, B. M.
(International Solar Electric Technology Inglewood, CA., United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Lewis Research Center, Proceedings of the 12th Space Photovoltaic Research and Technology Conference (SPRAT 12)
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Accession Number
94N11393
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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