CaltechAUTHORS
Published May 2020 | Version public
Journal Article Metadata-only

An Ultralight Concentrator Photovoltaic System for Space Solar Power Harvesting

Creators

  • 1. ROR icon California Institute of Technology

Abstract

We present a detailed design treatment for a concentrating photovoltaic mini module subsystem with a specific power of up to 4.1 kW/kg for integration into a space solar power system. Concentrating designs are required to achieve specific power over 1 kW/kg with current high-efficiency III-V multijunction solar cells. The 15 sun, linear concentration concept detailed here reduces the system mass by replacing cell and radiation shield area with ultralight carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) optics. Reducing the cell size to 1mm width as well as careful optimization of cell architecture and CFRP material and thickness are critical for maintaining cell temperatures under 100 C despite the concentration. We also describe ultralight multilayer optical coatings to increase the thermal emissivity of the concentrator surfaces and enhance radiative transfer for cell cooling, which is a critical technological component of the total system design.

Additional Information

© 2019 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of IAA. Received 25 June 2019, Revised 18 December 2019, Accepted 24 December 2019, Available online 27 January 2020.

Additional details

Identifiers

Eprint ID
100970
Resolver ID
CaltechAUTHORS:20200128-142200161

Dates

Created
2020-01-28
Created from EPrint's datestamp field
Updated
2021-11-16
Created from EPrint's last_modified field

Caltech Custom Metadata

Caltech groups
GALCIT, Kavli Nanoscience Institute, Space Solar Power Project