NICOP - Development of high efficiency flexible solar cell and module for terrestrial power source
Abstract
SHARP Corporation proposes the development of lightweight, flexible and high efficiency solar cells and modules which can be used for a terrestrial mobile power source, cooperating with the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in terms of the module development. This technology will be able to contribute to realization of high efficiency mobile power source which has superior flexibility and robustness. Now, SHARP is developing flexible space solar module technologies to accomplish the highest conversion efficiency and the highest power-weight ratio (shown by the unit of ÒW/gÓ). Meanwhile, NRL is developing lightweight mobile solar panel for terrestrial use. The NRL/Sharp collaboration in space and terrestrial technologies is complementary in that they focus on similar multijunction (MJ) solar cell technologies. SHARPÕs MJ technology and know-how acquired from the experiences related to the development of the flexible space solar module combined with NRLÕs expertise in developing flexible, terrestrial solar arrays will be combined to produce the highest efficiency MJ cell achievable and render it in a flexible format. The modeling and design of the cell structure, the reduction of material consumption for low cost fabrication, and the design of module structure will be executed in this project. These activities will be materials and device development efforts resulting in the creation of small area modules for testing and characterization. With USN and USMC interest in photovoltaic technologies for Operational Energy, it is likely that the DoD can serve as an early adopter and technology demonstration partner in future to accelerate the transition to commercial markets.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 10, 2016
- Source ID
- N629091612001
Entities
People
- Tatsuya Takamoto
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy