Computer modelling of aluminum-gallium arsenide/gallium arsenide multilayer photovoltaics

Technical Report · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:5692497

Wagner, M B

The modeled cascade cells offer an alternative to conventional series cascade designs that require a monolithic intercell ohmic contact. Selective electrodes provide a simple means of fabricating three-terminal devices, which can be configured in complementary pairs to circumvent the attendant losses and fabrication complexities of intercell ohmic contacts. Moreover, selective electrodes allow incorporation of additional layers in the upper subcell which can improve spectral response and increase radiation tolerance. Realistic simulations of such cells operating under one-sun AMO conditions show that the seven-layer structure is optimum from the standpoint of beginning-of-life efficiency and radiation tolerance. Projected efficiencies exceed 26 percent. Under higher concentration factors, it should be possible to achieve efficiencies beyond 30 percent. However, to simulate operation at high concentration will require a model for resistive losses. Overall, these devices appear to be a promising contender for future space applications.

• Research Organization: Illinois Univ., Urbana (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5692497
• Report Number(s): N-87-29957; NASA-CR-181418; NAS-1.26:181418
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
ALUMINIUM ARSENIDE SOLAR CELLS
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRIC CONTACTS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
GALLIUM ARSENIDE SOLAR CELLS
LAYERS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
SIMULATION
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SUPERLATTICES