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Accession Number:
AD1099359
Title:
Design and Demonstration of Ultra-Compact Microcell Concentrating Photovoltaics for Space
Descriptive Note:
Journal Article - Embargoed Full-Text
Corporate Author:
NAVAL RESEARCH LAB WASHINGTON DC WASHINGTON
Report Date:
2019-09-12
Pagination or Media Count:
14.0
Abstract:
Optical concentration can improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of photovoltaic power but has traditionally been too bulky, massive, and unreliable for use in space. Here, we explore a new ultra-compact and low-mass microcell concentrating photovoltaic mu CPV paradigm for space based on the monolithic integration of transfer-printed microscale solar cells and molded microconcentrator optics. We derive basic bounds on the compactness as a function of geometric concentration ratio and angular acceptance, and show that a simple reflective parabolic concentrator provides the best combination of specific power, angular acceptance, and overall fabrication simplicity. This architecture is simulated in detail and validated experimentally with a mu CPV prototype that is less than 1.7 mm thick and operates with six, 650 mu m square triple-junction microcells at a geometric concentration ratio of 18.4x. In outdoor testing, the system achieves a terrestrial power conversion efficiency of 25.8 - 0.2 over a - 9.50 degrees angular range, resulting in a specific power of approximately 111 Wkg. These results lay the groundwork for future space mu CPV systems and establish a realistic path to exceed 350 Wkg specific power at 33 power conversion efficiency by scaling down to even smaller microcells. C 2019 Optical Society of America under the terms of the OSA Open Access Publishing Agreement
Distribution Statement:
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
