Abstract
The use of thin film solar cells for power generation when colonizing space stations is an interesting idea. Resisting harsh space environments and low power to mass ratio shows potential for the future application of thin film solar cell in future space application such as roll able solar blankets. Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin film solar cell are analyzed to determine their viability in space focusing on two modular aspects of emissivity and buffer lays. Findings and calculations showed how temperature affects the efficiency of solar cells and it could also be found how increasing their emissivity with different kinds of coatings can offset the loss in efficiency. Through the study of buffers, it was found that lower band gaps reduce the quantum efficiency of a solar cell. Therefore, ZnS with an energy band gap of 3.5eV will have the least amount of spectral absorption of higher wavelengths.
Highlights
In this meta study we will be identifying factors that have to be focused on before a cell can be viable for space application
For describing and analyzing how temperature affects the efficiency of Cu(In, Ga)Se, solar cells and how increasing emissivity on the cell could help to offset the high temperatures that can be found in space- we analyzed every paper and found the basic parameters that control the efficiency of the panels for example Vij, J/j and Fill Factor
We found the relation between emissivity values and operating temperature of two different types of coatings, SiO, single-layer and SiO,/Al,O¶ double-layer coatings and calculated the percentage of increase in emissivity that they contribute
Summary
In this meta study we will be identifying factors that have to be focused on before a cell can be viable for space application The one such issue it thermal cycles and loads on solar cells in space. On the Dec 18th 2018 International Space station will have been in Earth’s orbit for 20 years [1] This space vessel produces 120 kW allowing for temporary residence for a full crew of 6 people at a time[3]. This is the closest current example we have to a small-scale space residence, as we are at least a decade off permanent living within the Earth’s orbit. This technology may one day be imperative to the survival of humanity, in the words of Stephen Hawking humanity would likely not survive another 1,000 years "without escaping beyond our fragile planet”[4]
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