Radiation Resistant, Improved Emissivity Solar Cell System Using PBO Film

Current and future thrusts within NASA call for the availability of high efficiency, high reliability, space-hardened energy supply systems. NASA will benefit from availability of these systems in its push towards expanding mankind?s understanding and place in space. One technology having the most potential for serving NASA objectives is thin-film photovoltaics. Great advances have been made over the past 20 years in photovoltaic technology, and thin-film devices are no exception. However, these advances have not led to the realization of the combination of high efficiency and high power density required for future NASA applications. One shortcoming has been the substrate material. In this Phase II program, Foster-Miller proposes the continued development of a substrate that will enable the realization of NASA?s long-term goals. Among commercially available polymeric materials, PBO is the only material exhibiting the high temperature stability and high mechanical strength necessary to achieve the high efficiency and high power density required for these missions to come to fruition. This Phase II effort will address the space-stability problem - common among polymeric substrates - for PBO by identifying and optimizing coatings to impart a space-hardened nature. Devices will be fabricated and an array will be supplied to NASA. (P-030625)