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Development of a High Efficiency UVR/IRR Coverglass for Triple Junction Solar CellsCover glasses have been a necessary and integral part of space solar arrays since their inception. The main function of the cover glass is to protect the underlying solar cell from the harsh radiation environment of space. They are formed either from fused silica or specially formulated ceria doped glass types that are resistant to radiation damage, for example Pilkington's CMX, CMG, CMO. Solar cells have steadily increased in performance over the past years, from Silicon cells through textured Silicon cells to GaAs cells and the multijunction cells of today. The optimum coverglass solution for each of these cells has been different. The glass itself has also evolved. In some cases it has had its expansion coefficient matched to the cell substrate material, and in addition, added value has been derived from the application of thin film optical coatings to the coverglass. In the majority of cases this has taken the form of a single layer of MgF2 which acts as an antireflection coating. There are also conductive coatings to address electrostatic discharge issues (ESD) and Ultra Violet Reflective (UVR) and Infrared Reflective (IRR) coatings designed for thermal enhancement. Each type of coating can be applied singly or in combination. This paper describes a new type of UVR/IRR (or blue red reflector BRR) specifically designed for triple junction solar cells. For space applications, where radiation is the principal mechanism for removing heat from the satellite, it is the emittance and solar absorptance that primarily determine the temperature of the array. It is therefore essential that any coatings designed to have an effect on the temperature by reducing the solar absorption have a minimal effect on the overall emittance.
Document ID
20090022294
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Russell, John (Thales Space Technology Bodelwyddan, United Kingdom)
Jones, Glenn (Thales Space Technology Bodelwyddan, United Kingdom)
Hall, James (Thales Space Technology Bodelwyddan, United Kingdom)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 2007
Publication Information
Publication: Proceedings of the 19th Space Photovoltaic Research and Technology Conference
Subject Category
Space Sciences (General)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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IDRelationTitle20090022280Collected WorksProceedings of the 19th Space Photovoltaic Research and Technology Conference
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