High Efficiency Flexible Photovoltaics

ABSTRACT: Recent advances in manufacturing in Inverted Metamorphic Multi-junction (IMM) cells have opened new terrestrial opportunities that demand high specific power as a key enabling component. Originally designed for space applications, IMM photovoltaics have a high overall power conversion efficiency (>30%) which compares favorably to amorphous silicon, CIGS and bulk heterojunction photovoltaic devices which are limited to<10%. A number of technical challenges must be addressed for transfer and eventual integration onto a flexible backing such as a polymeric or woven fabric that can support the cells which are under high stress. A systematic approach to effectively transfer IMM devices across multiple wafers onto a large area web which serves as the thin, contiguous support structure is needed to form"blankets"or"canopies"for power regeneration stations. Nanohmics, working in collaboration Professor Gennady Shvets of the University of Texas at Austin propose to develop Immagen Technology, a power generation device that includes integration of state-of-the-art IMM photovoltaics into a large area conformal device for military remote recharging applications. BENEFIT: High power conversion efficiency cells provide a means for charging batteries with small operational footprints and minimization of hazards associated with charging exchange and detectability. IMMs provide the optimum benefits in power conversion efficiency and low mass for recharging during solider missions.