{"project":{"acronym":"","projectId":33137,"title":"Light-Weight, Flexible, High Efficiency Vacuum Photo-Thermo-Voltaic Solar Cells","primaryTaxonomyNodes":[{"taxonomyNodeId":10594,"taxonomyRootId":8816,"parentNodeId":10593,"level":3,"code":"TX03.1.1","title":"Photovoltaic","definition":"Photovoltaic electrical power generation converts photons into electrical power, including photovoltaic cells, cell integration, and mechanical and structural technologies for cell arrays.","exampleTechnologies":"25 – 150 kW-class solar arrays, reliably retractable solar arrays, reduced-cost photovoltaic blankets, extreme environment solar cells and panels","hasChildren":false,"hasInteriorContent":true}],"startTrl":1,"currentTrl":3,"endTrl":3,"benefits":"The nVizix solar cell array could revolutionize applications of solar cells. The radiation-hardness combined with flexibility, high efficiency, low weight, and long lifetime will enable widespread NASA ground and space-based applications. Every mission will see its lifetime extended, eliminate the sensitivity to radiation of the power generating solar panels, and significantly enhance energy efficiency.
The learning curve associated with cost-efficient manufacturing should lead to mass production of solar panels for a wide variety of energy conversion applications on earth and on mobile systems (including aircraft), especially where space is at a premium. Applications range from handheld devices (mobile phones), wearables (smart watches), automotive (hybrid and electric solar-powered cars), to the standard rooftop and solar farm applications. Platforms heretofore not practical because of low efficiency (such as solar powered smart phones and solar cars) will be enabled.","description":"Conventional solar cells are limited in efficiency, require heavy weight for high power applications, and tend to degrade rapidly in the harsh radiation environment in space. nVizix LLC proposes to demonstrate a novel concept for high-efficiency solar cells (patent pending), based on the phenomenon of vacuum photoemission (with thermionic enhancement). Recent advances in the technology of optical detectors for high-energy physics (such as photomultiplier tubes), together with manufacturing techniques for flat-panel displays, have enabled a breakthrough in microfabricated solar cell arrays that are broadband and highly efficient, extremely lightweight, as well as extremely resistant to radiation damage and degradation with time. Efficiencies up to 50% are expected (80% theoretical) for space-based solar power. A prototype array of solar panels is proposed, consisting of 8 panels, each the size of a 3U nanosatellite (10 cm x 30 cm). Such an array would provide 150 W of power, while weighing only 100 grams, and being easily stowed, before deployment, inside a small portion of the 3U package. Phase I will demonstrate efficiency and low weight in a small research-scale cell, and project a deployable design for a 120 W array. Phase II will fabricate a prototype array and demonstrate performance at an appropriate NASA laboratory.","startYear":2015,"startMonth":6,"endYear":2015,"endMonth":12,"statusDescription":"Completed","principalInvestigators":[{"contactId":137122,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Elie","lastName":"Track","fullName":"Elie K Track","fullNameInverted":"Track, Elie K","middleInitial":"K","primaryEmail":"elie.track@nvizix.com","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programDirectors":[{"contactId":206378,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jason","lastName":"Kessler","fullName":"Jason L Kessler","fullNameInverted":"Kessler, Jason L","middleInitial":"L","primaryEmail":"jason.l.kessler@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programExecutives":[{"contactId":215154,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jennifer","lastName":"Gustetic","fullName":"Jennifer L Gustetic","fullNameInverted":"Gustetic, Jennifer 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The NASA SBIR and STTR programs fund the research, development, and demonstration of innovative technologies that fulfill NASA needs as described in the annual Solicitations and have significant potential for successful commercialization. If you are a small business concern (SBC) with 500 or fewer employees or a non-profit RI such as a university or a research laboratory with ties to an SBC, then NASA encourages you to learn more about the SBIR and STTR programs as a potential source of seed funding for the development of your innovations.
The SBIR and STTR programs have 3 phases:
The SBIR and STTR Phase I contracts last for 6 months with a maximum funding of $125,000, and Phase II contracts last for 24 months with a maximum funding of $750,000 - $1.5 million.
Opportunity for Continued Technology Development Post-Phase II:
The NASA SBIR/STTR Program currently has in place two initiatives for supporting its small business partners past the basic Phase I and Phase II elements of the program that emphasize opportunities for commercialization. Specifically, the NASA SBIR/STTR Program has the Phase II Enhancement (Phase II-E) and Phase II eXpanded (Phase II-X) contract options.
Please review the links below to obtain more information on the SBIR/STTR programs.
Provides an overview of the SBIR and STTR programs as implemented by NASA
Provides access to the annual SBIR/STTR Solicitations containing detailed information on the program eligibility requirements, proposal instructions and research topics and subtopics
Schedule and links for the SBIR/STTR solicitations and selection announcements
Federal and non-Federal sources of assistance for small business
Search our complete archive of awarded project abstracts to learn about what NASA has funded
Still have questions? Visit the program FAQs
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