SBIR/STTR
Lightweight, Flexible Photovoltaic Module, Phase I
Project Introduction
With recent advances in MicroLink's inverted metamorphic (IMM) multijunction epitaxial lift off (ELO) solar cells, new opportunities for solar cell packaging are possible that leverage the inherent physical flexibility of these high efficiency solar cells. Novel photovoltaic (PV) blankets can be constructed with these flexible and modular solar cells.
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Anticipated Benefits
This work will ultimately result in lightweight, flexible solar panels that contain very efficient multi-junction solar cells. NASA applications for such panels include very large solar cell panels for solar electric propulsion (SEP) and replacements for the conventional panels in solar-powered satellites. The lightweight, efficient, flexible solar panels resulting from this work will be suitable for the following non-NASA applications: commercial and military spacecraft, novel spacecraft such as Cubesats, solar powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and solar blankets for mobile terrestrial energy harvesting.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Glenn Research Center
(GRC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Cleveland, Ohio |
| MicroLink Devices | Supporting Organization | Industry | Niles, Illinois |
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Glenn Research Center (GRC)
Responsible Program:
- SBIR/STTR
Project Management
Project Duration
Start: Feb 2012
End: Aug 2012
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 3 |
| Current: | 3 |
| Estimated End: | 4 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX03 Aerospace Power and Energy Storage
- TX03.1 Power Generation and Energy Conversion
- TX03.1.1 Photovoltaic
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This is a historic project that was completed before the creation of TechPort on October 1, 2012. Available data has been included. This record may contain less data than currently active projects.