DocumentCode :
2502791
Title :
Issues and opportunities in space photovoltaics
Author :
Francis, Robert W. ; Somerville, W.A. ; Flood, Dennis J.
Author_Institution :
Aerosp. Corp., El Segundo, CA, USA
fYear :
1988
fDate :
1988
Firstpage :
8
Abstract :
Opportunities for US Air Force and NASA space solar photovoltaics are examined. It is noted that there is a growing interest in lightweight concentrator arrays with high levels of radiation resistance for orbital applications, and in a totally new generation of solar array technology for terrestrial-like applications in a nonterrestrial environment. Also considered is the advanced development of photovoltaic power systems for operation on the Lunar and/or Martian surface. This new scenario makes it possible for the terrestrial thin-film technologies to compete effectively with the high-efficiency solar cell technology that traditionally has been pursued in the space program. It is concluded that present and near-future US Air Force and NASA requirements show needs that, if the problems are looked upon as opportunities, can elevate the photovoltaic power source scientist and array structure engineer into the next technological photovoltaic growth curve.
Keywords :
photovoltaic power systems; solar cell arrays; solar energy concentrators; space vehicle power plants; Lunar surface; Martian surface; NASA space solar photovoltaics; US Air Force; lightweight concentrator arrays; orbital applications; photovoltaic power systems; radiation resistance; solar array; space photovoltaics; thin-film; Moon; NASA; Optical arrays; Photovoltaic cells; Photovoltaic systems; Power engineering and energy; Solar power generation; Space technology; Surface resistance; Transistors;
fLanguage :
English
Publisher :
ieee
Conference_Titel :
Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, 1988., Conference Record of the Twentieth IEEE
Conference_Location :
Las Vegas, NV, USA
Type :
conf
DOI :
10.1109/PVSC.1988.105650
Filename :
105650
Link To Document :
بازگشت