Oxygen-depleted space solar power generation

What conditions degrade solar cells in space?

Finally, radiation of high energetic particles is one of the main conditions that degrade solar cells in space; it is an essential parameter to predict the EOL performances of a PVA.

How to model solar cell degradation in space?

Currently two standard methods for modeling solar cell degradation in space, induced by energetic particles are used: 1) The equivalent fluence method, created by NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) , , and 2) the displacement damage dose model developed by the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) , .

Are solar cells a reliable energy source for aerospace applications?

Solar cells (SCs) are the most ubiquitous and reliable energy generation systems for aerospace applications. Nowadays, III–V multijunction solar cells (MJSCs) represent the standard commercial technology for powering spacecraft, thanks to their high-power conversion efficiency and certified reliability/stability while operating in orbit.

Why is solar energy a threat to spacecraft?

For missions in the Sun vicinity, the solar intensity rises to 100 suns at 0.1 AU, until 2,500 suns at 0.02 AU, thus, the relative temperature reached at these places can be a threat for spacecraft component and will generate loses in the power generation capability due to loss in the power generation.

How do solar cells in space damage their electrical performance?

Solar cells in space suffer a gradual damage of their electrical performances caused mostly by the exposure to energetic electrons and protons, which can induce lattice displacement damage. These particles are found either trapped in radiation belts (e.g., Earth’s Van Allen belts), throughout planetary magnetospheres or ejected in solar events.

How efficient are solar cells in space?

Solar cell efficiency: According to NASA’s assessment (NASA, 2022), the state of the practice of solar cell efficiency in space today is 33%, while the state of the art is 70% (based on theoretical limits of 6-junction solar cells in laboratories today).