COATINGS FOR SOLAR CELLS
Abstract
The theoretical basis for the reflectance of dielectric materials in the ultraviolet and the near infrared was reviewed, as well as the properties required for high emissivity. It was concluded that single thin film coatings alone, of 1 micron or less in thickness, can not provide either adequate emissivity or high selective reflectivity of the wavelengths required and still show high transmission from 0.45 to 1.1 micron. A high emissivity was found to be the most important single method of rejecting energy in space. Therefore attention was directed primarily toward achieving maximum emissivity. Emissivities of the order of 0.9 can only be obtained using coatings of several mils thickness. Silicone coatings were found to be very simple and inexpensive to apply, and within the accuracy of availale data to show a predicted performance in space equivalent to the presently used ultraviolet reflecting coated cover glasses. Numerous laboratory tests of limited time duration have shown the selected silicone coating to be stable to the expected environmental conditions during storage as well as in space.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0258660
Entities
People
- Arthur E. Lewis
- Robert M. Witucki