The scientists developed a design for radiation-tolerant photovoltaic cells with an ultrathin layer of light-absorbing material. According to a new study published today (Nov .08) in the Journal of Applied Physics by AIP Publishing, the devices feature cells with a surface one-thousandth the thickness of a human hair.
In a significant way, ultrathin solar cells not only previously outperform the thicker solar cells suggested in radiation resilience; they also generate the same amount of energy from the converted solar light after 20 years of use. In addition, new PV cells may reduce load and start-up costs.
As more and more satellites make their way into the Earth's medium orbit, they will be exposed to more severe space radiation.
It is becoming increasingly essential to use satellites on the orbits of the average Earth, like the orbit of Molniya, while the low orbit of the Earth becomes congested. However, the radiation band of protons around the earth is penetrated by this, which means that designs of radiation-tolerant cells will be necessary for these higher orbits.
The study of distant planets and moons will need radiation-tolerant cells as well. For example, europa, a Jupiter moon, has one of the toughest radiant environments in the solar system. As a result, radiation-tolerant equipment will be required to land a solar vessel on Europa.
The area of every cell is about a thousandth of the thickness of a human hair.
The researchers used semiconductor gallium arsenide (GaAs) to build two types of PV systems. Gaas crystalline structure is essential for their tolerance to radiation. One was a smart design created by stacking different materials together.
According to the researchers, the surface of every cell is only 120 nanometres thick, about a thousandth of the thickness of a human hair. It also meant that these cells were lined with electrically conductive metals.
The alternative method used a silver rearview mirror to enhance light absorption.
The protons at the Dalton Cumbrian nuclear power plant have blown up two new types of photovoltaic panels.
The devices were attacked with protons produced at the Dalton Cumbrian nuclear power plant in the UK to simulate radiation effects in space. Cathodoluminescence, a method of estimating the extent of damage caused by radiation, was used to compare the performance of PV units before and after exposure.
Additionally, the efficiency of the devices' ability to convert sunlight into power after being hit by protons was tested by a second set of tests using a Compact Solar Simulator.
'The ultra-thin geometries offer favorable performance by two orders of magnitude' compared to thicker devices
"Our ultra-thin solar cell outperforms the previously studied, thicker devices for proton radiation above a certain threshold. The ultra-thin geometries offer favorable performance by two orders of magnitude relative to previous observations," said corresponding author Armin Barthel in a press release.
The authors argue that these ultra-thin cells surpass conventional cells because load transporters can survive long enough to travel through the device's terminals.
How can becoming slimmer prolong the life of a photovoltaic?
Most of the orbiting satellites use solar cells. As light hits the solar cells, its energy is transferred to the negatively charged electrons of the material. These load transporters are dislodged, creating an electricity flow on the photovoltaic.
However, space radiation damages solar cells and diminishes their effectiveness by displacing atoms in the material and shortening the life of the charge carriers. As finer photovoltaic energy would mean that these load transporters have less distance to cover throughout their lives, this would be equivalent to an increased longevity.
Their findings lead us to believe that they are right. Scientists found that after 20 years of surgery, the newly created cells, that had about 3.5 times the amount of cover glass, provided the same amount of power as cells with thicker partitions.
However, as with all new technological developments, the question of whether the new cells will advance to scale is a different matter. I.e. (interesting genius) looks forward to learning more from the researchers themselves - we will keep you informed.