NASA photovoltaic research and technology
NASA photovoltaic R and D efforts address future Agency space mission needs through a comprehensive, integrated program. Activities range from fundamental studies of materials and devices to technology demonstrations of prototype hardware. The program aims to develop and apply an improved understanding of photovoltaic energy conversion devices and systems that will increase the performance, reduce the mass, and extend the lifetime of photovoltaic arrays for use in space. To that end, there are efforts aimed at improving cell efficiency, reducing the effects of space particulate radiation damage (primarily electrons and protons), developing ultralightweight cells, and developing advanced ray component technology for high efficiency concentrator arrays and high performance, ultralightweight arrays. Current goals that have been quantified for the program are to develop cell and array technology capable of achieving 300 watts/kg for future missions for which mass is a critical factor, or 300 watts/sq m for future missions for which array size is a major driver (i.e., Space Station). A third important goal is to develop cell and array technology which will survive the GEO space radiation environment for at least 10 years.
- Research Organization:
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, OH (USA). Lewis Research Center
- OSTI ID:
- 6000667
- Report Number(s):
- N-89-16917; NASA-TM-101422; E-4522; NAS-1.15:101422; CONF-881143-
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
CONVERSION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
ENERGY CONVERSION
EQUIPMENT
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOELECTROMAGNETIC EFFECTS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC EFFECT
PHYSICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
POWER SUPPLIES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SERVICE LIFE
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT