Review on the challenges and the future of solar cell for space applications

• Solar power systems are one of the major energy sources for spacecrafts and satellites. The first ever satellite was supplied by electricity generated via silicon based solar cells. Thus, solar arrays play integral role for space environment applications. However, space industry encounters various difficulties related to solar cells, and the main challenge is impact of radiation on the performance of solar units. Destructive nature of radiation has adverse effect on solar power systems causing certain damages leading to loss of efficiency and other negative consequences. In addition, there are other issues such as temperature and vacuum environment causing degradation of solar cells which also should be paid particular attention. In this paper, the physics of semiconductors, the history and importance of solar photovoltaics in space industry, the effect of radiation and techniques which can help to reduce or fix the negative impact of radiation, other challenges related to solar power systems, and the future of solar cells are reviewed.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Energiteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Energy Engineering (hsv//eng)

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Rymd- och flygteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Aerospace Engineering (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Challenges

Radiation

Solar Cell

Solar Power System

Space Applications

Space Environment

Technology (byts ev till Engineering)

Teknik

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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