Title :
Evaluation and testing of flexible thin-film photovoltaic (FTFPV) technology based on the UltraFlex solar array design
Author :
Piszczor, Michael F. ; Spence, Brian R. ; Douglas, Mark V. ; White, Steve F.
Author_Institution :
NASA Glenn Res. Center, USA
Abstract :
ABLE engineering´s UltraFlex solar array platform, optimized specifically for integration of flexible thin-film photovoltaic (FTFPV) technology, represents a near-term, low-risk approach to demonstrating outstanding specific power performance by taking advantage of the inherent FTFPV attributes. ABLE has recently completed a NASA phase 2 SBIR program to mature and validate FTFPV blanket subassemblies as the electrical subsystem element within this unique structural platform. An overview of the program is presented, including: design, development, analysis, build/test and system level integration of both α-Si and CIGS FTFPV within an optimized UltraFlex solar array system. Subsystem and array system level test results are discussed, along with follow-on technology development and flight experiment plans.
Keywords :
aerospace instrumentation; amorphous semiconductors; elemental semiconductors; silicon; solar cell arrays; thin films; NASA phase 2 SBIR program; Si; UltraFlex solar array design; electrical subsystem element; flexible thin-film photovoltaic technology; flight experiment; system level integration; Design engineering; NASA; Optical arrays; Phased arrays; Photovoltaic systems; Power engineering and energy; Solar power generation; Space technology; Testing; Transistors;
Conference_Titel :
Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, 2005. Conference Record of the Thirty-first IEEE
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-8707-4
DOI :
10.1109/PVSC.2005.1488257
