Commerical (terrestrial) and modified solar array design studies for low cost, low power space applications

Technical Report · Mon Dec 01 00:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:6074204

Kolecki, J C; Riley, T J

The suitability of commercial (terrestrial) solar arrays for use in low Earth orbit is examined. It is shown that commercial solar arrays degrade under thermal cycling because of material flexure, and that certain types of silicones used in the construction of these arrays outgas severely. Based on the results, modifications were made. The modified array retains the essential features of typical commercial arrays and can be easily built by commercial fabrication techniques at low cost. The modified array uses a metal tray for containment, but eliminates the high outgassing potting materials and glass cover sheets. Cells are individually mounted with an adhesive and individually covered with glass cover slips, or clear plastic tape. The modified array is found to withstand severe thermal cycling for long intervals of time.

• Research Organization: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, OH (USA). Lewis Research Center
• OSTI ID: 6074204
• Report Number(s): NASA-TM-81622
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
MODIFICATIONS
THERMAL DEGRADATION
ADHESIVES
COVERINGS
DEGASSING
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
THERMAL CYCLING
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
POWER SUPPLIES
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
140600* - Solar Energy- Photovoltaic Power Systems
140501 - Solar Energy Conversion- Photovoltaic Conversion