Assessment of international standard testing protocols for perovskite solar cells in space applications

Abstract

Multi-junction solar cells are commonly used in space applications where they are exposed to the air mass 0 (AM0) spectrum. Solar simulators are used to emulate the AM0 spectrum for ground testing of the solar cells before the space application is launched. A low-cost solar simulator was designed using LEDs for the visible spectrum and halogen lamps for the infrared spectrum. A design procedure is provided to determine the intensity and geometry of the lights needed to meet spectral match and spatial uniformity requirements. The presented solar simulator design is adequate for testing GaInP <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> /GaAs/Ge triple-junction solar cells intended for use in a cube satellite application and has a significantly lower cost than commercially-available solar simulators.

Perovskite solar cells in space applications: advantages and challenges

Perovskite solar cells hold great promise for space photovoltaics. Long-term stability affected by space radiation is the greatest difficulty, so researching radiation damage and reinforcement strategies can enhance their space deployment potential.

ABSTRACTThe development of flexible, thin‐film, and high‐efficiency III–V solar cells enables the design of new flexible, lightweight solar arrays for space applications. A requirement for these solar panels is the replacement of the rigid coverglasses by a flexible shielding layer. In this work, three candidate materials based on commercially available polyimides and synthesized polysiloxanes for such a shielding layer are compared with respect to their ease of synthesis, transparency. Polysiloxanes based on methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) based siloxane (MBS) showed the best reproducibility in synthesis of layers of the required thickness of about 300 µm with sufficient transparency and was therefore selected for further analysis. It was demonstrated that the MBS material could be doped with Ce to increase the radiation hardness. Showing virtually no loss of volatile condensable components in outgassing tests it can be concluded that the properties MBS are found suitable for further space qualification testing. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2016,133, 43661.

Thin-film silazane/alumina high emissivity double layer coatings for flexible Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells

Standardized outcomes in reproductive cardiovascular care: The STORCC initiative

This study aims to evaluate whether a test protocol with standardized and individualized resistance settings leads to valid wheelchair Wingate tests (WAnT) and graded exercise tests (GXT) in healthy novices. Twenty able-bodied individuals (10M/10F, age 23 ± 2 years, body mass 72 ± 11 kg) performed an isometric strength test, sprint test, WAnT and GXT on a wheelchair ergometer. Using a previously developed set of regression equations, individuals’ isometric strength outcome was used to estimate the WAnT result (P30est), from which an effective individual WAnT resistance was derived. The subsequently measured WAnT outcome (P30meas) was used to estimate the GXT outcome (POpeakest) and to scale the individual GXT resistance steps. Estimated and measured outcomes were compared. The WAnT protocol was considered valid when maximal velocity did not exceed 3 m·s-1; the GXT protocol was considered valid when test duration was 8–12 min. P30est did not significantly differ from P30meas, while one participant did not have a valid WanT, as maximal velocity exceeded 3 m·s-1. POpeakest was 10% higher than POpeakmeas, and six participants did not reach a valid GXT: five participants had a test duration under 8 min and one participant over 12 min. The isometric strength test can be used to individually scale the WAnT protocol. The WAnT outcome scaled the protocol for the GXT less accurately, resulting in mostly shorter-than-desired test durations. In conclusion, the evaluated standardized and individualized test protocol was valid for the WAnT but less valid for the GXT among a group of novices. Before implementing the standardized individual test protocol on a broader scale, e.g. among paralympic athletes, it should be evaluated among different athletic wheelchair-dependent populations.

Solar cells for space application must pass certain qualification tests in order to verify their suitability for the specific mission they are planned to be used in. In general rules, these tests must characterise the electrical performance and assure that the cells do not degrade below certain limits, given by the mission power requirements, when exposed to their working environment. Ultraviolet radiation is one of the hazards found in the space environment. In terms of solar cells, the degradation cause by this radiation affects the adhesives mainly and translates into a current decrease.

ABSTRACTPurpose: There is currently no standardized testing protocol for assessing clients’ fitness/health within the Australian fitness industry. This study examined the perceptions of the feasibility of using a standardized testing protocol among Australian fitness industry professionals. Method: In 2014, 1,206 registered fitness industry professionals (aged 17–69 years) completed an online survey. Perceived feasibility for using a standardized testing protocol was assessed based on responses to 6 items. Respondents were classified as having a high level of perceived feasibility if they reported all 6 items to be “definitely feasible.” A multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusting for demographic and fitness industry-related factors (e.g., qualification/years of experience), assessed the likelihood of having a high level of perceived feasibility. Results: Overall, 25.5% (95% CI [23.1%, 28.0%]) of the sample perceived the use of a standardized testing protocol as highly feasible. Items ranked most often as “definitely feasible” were “undertaking training to use the protocol” (55%) and “conducting follow-up testing every 6 to 12 weeks” (52%). After adjustment for the effect of confounding factors, casually employed professionals (OR = 0.63; 95% CI [0.45, 0.90]) and group instructors (OR = 0.58; 95% CI [0.41, 0.82]) were less likely to perceive standardized testing protocols as highly feasible. Conclusions: Among a large sample of Australian fitness industry professionals, slightly more than a quarter perceived using a standardized testing protocol to be highly feasible. Group instructors and casual employees perceived lower feasibility. Further research should determine the barriers to implementing a standardized testing protocol across the fitness industry.

The calibration of space solar cells can be performed under extraterrestrial conditions (in space) or Earth-bound (either in the laboratory or outdoors). The corresponding calibration procedures and correction methods to obtain the calibration value are described for measurements on a balloon or in a jet as well as in a solar simulator or under direct or global outdoor illumination. Special emphasis is given to bias and random errors that may influence the measurement uncertainty. For terrestrial calibration methods utilizing a spectral mismatch correction, an ambiguity in the calibration value arises due to differences between two well-known sources for the extraterrestrial spectral irradiance, as given by Thekaekara or the World Radiation Centre and to different estimates of the solar constant. Some calibration methods use light sources with spectra that are very different from the extraterrestrial spectrum. The impact of this on the size and error of the mismatch correction is quantized for all relevant cell technologies. As the mismatch correction depends both on calibration spectrum and cell spectral response, there is not a single terrestrial calibration method with best uncertainty for ‘all’ cell technologies. Rather, good control of measurement errors in spectral response and simulator spectrum measurement determine the applicability of the various calibration methods.©1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The introduction of synthetic-based drilling fluids has challenged both industry and the Environmental Protection Agency to investigate benthic toxicity testing. The need for a synthetic-based mud screening tool has been highlighted by the call for benthic testing to be included into offshore general permits by Coastal Effluent Limitation Guidelines. Outside of the oilfield, development of solid phase testing of dredged material has led to standardized benthic testing protocols accepted by the Agency. ASTM E1367-92, used with Ampelisca abdita and Corophium volutator on sediments spiked with various base fluids, was able to distinguish synthetic-based muds from oil-based muds. It is demonstrated in this paper that analysis of other test species using ASTM El 367-92, and additional testing with A. abdita, can lead to rapid development of a benthic screening tool for incorporation into the next round of offshore general permits. This should promote the continued positive development of synthetic-based drilling fluid technology. Introduction The development and use of synthetic-based muds (SBMs) has resulted in significant advances in pollution prevention efforts for offshore drilling. The introduction of synthetic-based muds has challenged both industry and the Agency to look closely at existing test methods used in the regulation of mud and cuttings discharges offshore. The results of this study show that ASTM E-1367–92 with A. abdita is useful as a screening tool for SBM on the basis that the lower 95% confidence interval (CI) of the synthetic-based fluids was above the upper 95% CI of the diesel oil-based fluid. Continued development of ASTM E1367–92 using A. abdita, combined with investigation of other test species and protocols using the test analysis criteria described in this study, will lead to rapid development of a screening test for synthetic-based muds that will be acceptable to both the Agency and industry. Development of a Benthic Toxicity Screening Test for Synthetic-Based Muds. Identification of a standardized protocol and test species that would be easily recognized by the EPA was a prime consideration. By using recognized test species and protocol much of the groundwork for meeting the criteria for a screening test would be addressed and validated allowing for rapid development and implementation of a benthic screening test for synthetic-based muds. From the currently available standardized protocols, this study would seek to identity a test that would be reproducible, sensitive to the materials tested and discriminate among potential benthic toxicities of various base fluids. An additional goal was the identification of a species that would have ecological relevance to the discharge environment and could be subject to field validation. Two recognized test protocols were closely examined ASTM E1367–923 (EPA/600/R-94/025) (Amphipods) and ASTM E1611–94 (Polychactous Annelids). The ASTM E1367–2 protocol was chosen as focus of this study. Species included in the test protocol are listed in Table 1. In addition to literature available on the various test species, data available from a field study of a SBM discharge site at North Padre Island Block 895 (NPI-895) was used to select the test protocol and species for this study. When the mysid shrimp test was introduced, industry had considerable difficulty accepting the mysid shrimp test as a regulatory tool. Some of the key industry concerns that were identified were:–lack of validation of the test protocol;–lack of availability of the test species;–lack of purity in the test species; P. 63^

The equivalence of multi-axis spine systems: Recommended stiffness limits using a standardized testing protocol

Space solar cells, have been providing a consistent supply of energy for various spacecraft for decades. Currently, the third‐generation solar cells, such as perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and organic solar cells, have demonstrated significant potential for space applications. However, their real performance in space environments is not yet clear. To assess crucial performance parameters, solar cells need to be calibrated under the standard space spectral irradiance before deployment in space. This is known as AM0 calibration. This review article focuses on the calibration techniques and methods for space solar cells. The topics covered include space environment and standard testing condition for solar cells, the measurements of key parameters for traditional solar cells, advancements in PSCs and organic solar cells for space applications, and a comprehensive review of diverse calibration methods. The discussion spans from near‐ground calibration to near‐space calibration and space calibration, encompassing approaches, key technologies, developmental milestones, and the respective merits of each calibration methods, especially focus on high altitude balloon calibration. Finally, the article addresses the challenges and future trends of space solar cell calibration based on the aforementioned discussions.

BackgroundQuantitative sensory testing (QST) is often used to measure children’s and adults’ detection- and pain thresholds in a quantitative manner. In children especially the Thermal Sensory Analyzer (TSA-II) is often applied to determine thermal detection and pain thresholds. As comparisons between studies are hampered by the different testing protocols used, we aimed to present a standard protocol and reference values for thermal detection- and pain thresholds in children.MethodsOur standard testing protocol includes reaction time dependent and independent tests and takes about 14–18 min to complete. Reference values were obtained from a sample of 69 healthy term born children and adolescents with a median age of 11.2 years (range 8.2 to 17.9 years old). Seventy-one children were recruited and data of 28 males and 41 females was obtained correctly. We studied possible age and sex differences.ResultsThis study provides Dutch reference values and presents a standard quantitative sensory testing protocol for children with an age from 8 years onwards. This protocol appeared to be feasible, since only two out of 71 participants were not able to correctly complete the protocol due to attention deficits and were therefore excluded. We found some significant age and sex differences: females were statistically significantly more sensitive for both cold and heat pain compared to males, and the youngest children (8–9 years old) were less sensitive to detect a warm stimulus. The youngest children tend to be more sensitive to heat pain in comparison to older participants, although the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionsWe present a feasible thermal quantitative sensory testing protocol for children and reference values that are easy to interpret and may serve as normative values for future studies.