Satellites: What type of solar panels are used on satellites?

Solar Panels

The efficiency of satellites might be increased by using lightweight solar panels. As middle-Earth orbits, as opposed to low-Earth orbits, become more relevant, radiation-resistant cell designs will be necessary. Thinner photovoltaics should last longer since charge carriers must travel shorter distances.

Due to its ultrathin layer of light-absorbing material, researchers have devised a photovoltaic cell design that can tolerate radiation. After 20 years, ultra-thin cells generate the same amount of power as larger cells with 3.5 times less cover glass.

Space satellites depend largely on photovoltaic cells, which turn sunlight into power. Some forms of radiation may harm devices in orbit, reducing their effectiveness and decreasing their lifespan.

A radiation-resistant photovoltaic cell with an ultrathin layer of light-absorbing material was developed by University of Cambridge researchers. AIP Publishing published the concept in the Journal of Applied Physics.

Light is converted into electrical current by solar cells by means of the transfer of energy from positively charged photons to the material's negatively charged electrons. When these charge carriers are jarred loose, a current flows across the photovoltaic.When atoms in solar cell material are displaced by space radiation, efficiency drops and the lifespan of charge carriers is shortened. The charge carriers in photovoltaics will have fewer distances to travel if they are made thinner, which should extend their lives.

Since low Earth orbit is becoming increasingly congested with satellites, it is becoming necessary to adopt middle Earth orbits such as the Molniya orbit, which travels over the centre of Earth's proton radiation belt. For these higher orbits, radiation-resistant cell designs are a must.

Exploration of distant planets and moons is another potential use for radiation-resistant cells. Jupiter's moon Europa, for instance, has one of the solar system's worst radiation environments. Equipment has to be radiation-resistant so that a solar-powered spaceship may land on Europa.

Using the semiconductor gallium arsenide, the researchers constructed two distinct photovoltaic devices. For example, there was an on-chip stackable material design. The alternative design had a silver mirror at the rear to maximise light reflection.

The gadgets were subjected to irradiation with protons produced at the Dalton Cumbrian Nuclear Facility in the United Kingdom, simulating the radiation environment of space. Cathodoluminescence, a method that can offer a measure of the degree of radiation damage, was used to compare the performance of the photovoltaic devices before and after irradiation. After being hit with a bunch of protons, the devices were put through a second round of tests with a Compact Solar Simulator to see how well they turned sunlight into electricity.

"Above a specific threshold of proton radiation, our ultra-thin solar cell beats the bulkier devices that have been tested in the past." When compared to prior observations, the ultra-thin geometries perform two orders of magnitude better. The author, Armin Barthel, made this statement.

Scientists say that these ultra-thin cells work better because charge carriers have more time to get from one end of the device to the other.

After 20 years of use, ultra-thin cells still produce the same amount of electricity as bigger cells, but with approximately 3.5 times less cover glass. Weight savings and savings on launch expenses will result from this.