Evaluation of Kapton pyrolysis, arc tracking, and arc propagation on the Space Station Freedom (SSF) solar array Flexible Carrier (FCC)

Conference · Fri Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:5962230

Stueber, T J

Recent studies involving the use of polyimide Kapton coated wires indicate that if a momentary electrical short circuit occurs between two wires, sufficient heating of the Kapton can occur to thermally char (pyrolyze) the Kapton. Such charred Kapton has sufficient electrical conductivity to create an arc which tracks down the wires and possibly propagates to adjoining wires. These studies prompted an investigation to ascertain the likelihood of the Kapton pyrolysis, arc tracking and propagation phenomena, and the magnitude of destruction conceivably inflicted on Space Station Freedom's (SSF) Flexible Current Carrier (FCC) for the photovoltaic array. The geometric layout of the FCC, having a planar-type orientation as opposed to bundles, may reduce the probability of sustaining an arc. An experimental investigation was conducted to simulate conditions under which an arc can occur on the FCC of SSF, and the consequences of arc initiation.

• Research Organization: Sverdrup Technology, Inc., Brook Park, OH (United States)
• OSTI ID: 5962230
• Report Number(s): N-92-11139; NASA-CR-189056; E-6655; NAS-1.26:189056; CONF-911055-; CNN: NAS3-25266
• Resource Relation: Conference: 22. IEEE photovoltaic specialists conference, Las Vegas, NV (United States), 7-11 Oct 1991; Other Information: Final Report; sponsored by IEEE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
ELECTRIC ARCS
PROTECTIVE COATINGS
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL FAULTS
IMIDES
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PYROLYSIS
SPACE VEHICLES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COATINGS
CURRENTS
DECOMPOSITION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
EQUIPMENT
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
VEHICLES
140600* - Solar Energy- Photovoltaic Power Systems