SBIR/STTR
High-Volume Production of Lightweight, Multi-Junction Solar Cells Using 6-inch GaAs, Phase I
Project Introduction
Very large solar arrays to power future solar electric propulsion systems will require a new generation of solar cells that are not only high efficiency, but also light weight and significantly lower cost than existing multijunction solar cells based on Ge substrates. The large volume of solar cells required for individual missions (hundreds of kilowatts to megawatts) also presents significant manufacturing challenges.
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Anticipated Benefits
MicroLink Devices' multi-junction ELO solar cells are well-suited for future very large solar arrays to support solar electric propulsion (SEP) missions. Conventional solar-powered satellites can also benefit from lower-cost alternatives to existing Ge-based multi-junction solar cells. The cells are useable in solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). MicroLink Devices' multi-junction ELO solar cells are a potential replacement for conventional solar cells for military and civilian applications. The combination of high efficiency and low weight also make the cells ideal for powering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). There are also emerging military and commercial applications for high-efficiency, flexible solar sheets for terrestrial power generation.
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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 |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Illinois
-
Ohio
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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
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigator:
- Christopher Youtsey
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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