Solar cell coverglasses for satellites in the intermediate Earth orbit

Author

Kitchen, C. ; Mullaney, K. ; Price, M. ; Dollery, A. ; Fyles, K. ; Eaves, H. ; Crabb, R. ; Bula, P.

Author_Institution

Pilkington Space Technol., Bodelwyddan, UK

fYear

1997

fDate

29 Sep-3 Oct 1997

Firstpage

1011

Lastpage

1014

Abstract

Satellites in an Earth orbit where high levels of radiation are experienced require greater protection for their solar cell arrays than is normal. This may be provided by the use of thicker coverglasses to minimise solar cell degradation. This paper describes the development by Pilkingtons of a new glass CMO, which has a high transmission in the visible spectrum, is radiation stable to high fluences, incorporates a UV `cut-off´ filter and is capable of being manufactured economically in large volume. It has a high emissivity and is durable. The results of an evaluation are given and compared with high purity fused silica

Keywords

aerospace simulation; aerospace testing; glass; radiation protection; semiconductor device models; semiconductor device testing; solar cell arrays; space vehicle power plants; UV cut-off filter; degradation minimisation; durability; emissivity; intermediate Earth orbit; radiation stability; satellites; solar cell coverglasses; space power solar cell arrays; Cerium; Earth; Glass; Global communication; Photovoltaic cells; Protection; Satellites; Silicon compounds; Space technology; Space vehicles;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, 1997., Conference Record of the Twenty-Sixth IEEE

Conference_Location

Anaheim, CA

ISSN

0160-8371

Print_ISBN

0-7803-3767-0

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/PVSC.1997.654260

Filename

654260