Solar Cell Array Optimization, Volume 2

Abstract

The analysis covers the fabrication and test of photovoltaic materials and design of solar-cell arrays for maximum conversion of solar energy with minimum weight. Evaporated layer cells with an efficiency of up to 4.5 percent over an area of 1.6 sq cm were fabricated. Research on crystal layer conversion reduced the temperature for recrystallization from 500 deg C to 300 deg C. Two models of solar-cell arrays to simulate a 100 sq ft system were fabricated: the tele coping sail with a density of 0.075 lb sq ft., and the inflatable torus sail with a density of 0.04 lb sq ft. The maximum area of individual cells was increased by a factor of 27, thickness of substrate reduced by factor of 6, and weight reduced by factor of 7.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1962
Accession Number
AD0274841

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Boundaries
  • Compound Semiconductors
  • Controlled Atmospheres
  • Crystals
  • Desiccants
  • Fabrication
  • Life Tests
  • Light Sources
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Optical Absorption
  • Reliability
  • Solar Cells
  • Solar Collectors
  • Solar Energy
  • Solar Panels
  • Thin Films

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Aerodynamics/Aeronautics.
  • Solar Photovoltaics and Thermoelectric Devices.