Optimization of Solar Cell Shielding for Geostationary Missions

Abstract

Equivalent one MeV electron fluences, end of life output powers and power to weight ratios are estimated for solar cells in a five year geostationary mission beginning in 1975. The study covers cell thicknesses from 125 micrometers to 300 micrometers, coverslip thicknesses from 25 micrometers to 300 micrometers, and rear shielding typical of rigid and lightweight flexible arrays. It is concluded that the thinnest cells and shielding give the best power to weight ratio, although the choice for a particular spacecraft will be influenced by considerations of availability, cost, fragility and array area.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1973
Accession Number
AD0773237

Entities

People

  • M. W. Walkden

Organizations

  • Royal Aircraft Establishment

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Alpha Particles
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Charged Particles
  • Communication Satellites
  • Cosmic Rays
  • Electron Energy
  • Electron Flux
  • Electrons
  • Energy
  • Energy Bands
  • Measurement
  • Optimization
  • Radiation
  • Solar Cells
  • Solar Flares
  • Solar Panels
  • Spacecraft

Readers

  • Aerospace Propulsion Engineering.
  • Nuclear and Radiation Engineering.
  • Semiconductor Device Technology

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Space