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Advanced Solar Panel DesignsSolar panel designs that utilize new high-efficiency solar cells and lightweight rigid panel technologies are described. The resulting designs increase the specific power (W/kg) achievable in the near-term and are well suited to meet the demands of higher performance small satellites (smallsats). Advanced solar panel designs have been developed and demonstrated on two NASA SBIR contracts at Applied Solar. The first used 19% efficient, large area (5.5 cm x 6.5 cm) GaAs/Ge solar cells with a lightweight rigid graphite epoxy isogrid substrate configuration. A 1,445 sq cm coupon was fabricated and tested to demonstrate 60 W/kg with a high potential of achieving 80 W/kg. The second panel design used new 22% efficiency, dual-junction GaInP2/GaAs/Ge solar cells combined with a lightweight aluminum core/graphite fiber mesh facesheet substrate. A 1,445 sq cm coupon was fabricated and tested to demonstrate 105 W/kg with the potential of achieving 115 W/kg.
Document ID
20000033733
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Ralph, E. L.
(Applied Solar Energy Corp. City of Industry, CA United States)
Linder, E. B.
(Applied Solar Energy Corp. City of Industry, CA United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1995
Publication Information
Publication: Space Photovoltaic Research and Technology 1995
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS8-4056
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS8-4057
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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