DOI: https://doi.org/10.29363/nanoge.pvspace.2022.001
Publication date: 8th June 2022
Major recent trends for solar cells in space applications are driven by the growing new space market and the needs for improving the specific power (power-to-weight ratio) and reducing cost.
In such a context, the use of terrestrial technologies in a space environment can be considered with flexible, lightweight and highly efficient thin film solar cells.
Perovskite technology (PK) recently reached noticeable high performance (exceeding 25% efficiency) and exhibits intrinsic resistance to radiation. With potential specific power up to 30kW/kg (few kW/kg for current space qualified photovoltaic) and fabrication of large surface devices at low cost, PK cells constitute promising candidate for space use.
However, space environment is a harsh environment with synergetic effects induced by radiation (low to high-energy particles –electrons and protons- and AM0 electromagnetic spectrum with short UV component), thermal constraints (cycling typically in the ±150°C range) and high vacuum conditions (10-4 -> 10-14 mbar).
More, in LEO most of residual atmosphere is made of atomic oxygen, a very reactive species that can erode external satellite surface.
Initial studies revealed the instability of PK response in high vacuum, under UV exposure (200-400nm) and the detrimental effect of thermal cycling. More, the development of appropriate protocol for qualification of PK cells for radiation effects and adapted prediction tool shall be considered. It requires deeper analysis of radiation-PK materials interaction and understanding of degradation-annealing mechanisms.
This paper provides an overview of the advantages of PK technology compared to existing space qualified photovoltaic (PV) and main challenges to overcome in order to develop and qualify PK solar cells for space application.
I would like to thank my colleagues T. Nuns (ONERA) and R. Cariou, M. Manceau, C. Costa (PhD) (CEA-LITEN). Part of the presented data are results of common investigation carried out within the ONERA-CEA Liten partnership
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