INTEGRAL COVERS FOR SOLAR CELLS,
Abstract
Present integral cover configurations in the 1 to 2 mil thickness range can operate satisfactorily in space for extended time periods. Panel weight reductions of 40 percent are possible for one-year operation in space with a dose equivalent to 10 to the 13th power electrons per square centimeter per day by the use of 4-mil integral covers on thin, drift-field solar cells. A thorough cost-effectiveness analysis of this approach has not been conducted to-date, however. Proper design of these coatings can improve the efficiency of the cells through optimum spectral match and thus eliminates the requirements for adhesives, cover-slip layers, and the associated interference coatings required to reduce ultraviolet-darkening effects on the adhesives. The integral covers exhibit about the same degradation rate as the fused-silica cover slips. These coatings also permit higher temperature operation of solar cells for handling and annealing purposes as well as near-sun mission applications. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 30, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0650114
Entities
People
- J. A. Mcclelland
- J. F. Wise
- R. L. Statler
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory