Modeling of Operating Temperature Performance of Triple Junction Solar Cells Using Silvaco's ATLAS

Abstract

The inefficiency of solar cells due to high operating temperatures presents a growing issue for the spacecraft industry. Currently, the problem is solved by accepting the manufactured designs and compensating for losses with larger solar arrays. Building upon prior thesis work at the Naval Postgraduate School, this thesis utilizes Silvaco's ATLAS software as a tool to simulate the performance of a typical InGaP/GaAs/Ge multi-junction solar cell at various temperatures. Additional optimization is performed on the base thickness layers to represent that enhancement for the proper operating environment can be achieved. Results are shown for a multi-junction cell operating under Air Mass 0 at 300K, 325K, 350K, and 375K.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2007
Accession Number
ADA474503

Entities

People

  • Michael H. Sanders

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Masses
  • Band Gaps
  • Cells
  • Climate Change
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Energy Bands
  • Energy Gaps
  • Energy Levels
  • Light Sources
  • Manufacturing
  • Refractive Index
  • Semiconductor Devices
  • Semiconductors
  • Solar Cells
  • Solar Panels
  • Two Dimensional

Readers

  • Database Systems and Applications
  • Economics
  • Solar Photovoltaics and Thermoelectric Devices.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites