Solar Array Model Corrections from Mars Pathfinder Lander Data
The MESUR solar array power model initially uses assumed values for many input variables.
array tilt azimuth array temperature spectral shif↗
Engineering topics
Burger, D. R.
Publications and source records attributed to Burger, D. R..
Characterization of Thermophotovoltaic Cells
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Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) TPV cell characterization↗
TPVF Cell IV Curve Testing with Varying Black Body Emission Temperatures, Intensities, and Cell Temperature
A TPV GaSb cell was tested as part of an effort to establish a standard method of characterizing such cells.
repeatability↗
Solar Array Performance for Mars Environmental Survey Mission (MESUR)
The Mars Environmental Survey Mission (MESUR) is a low cost, near term missin to study: chemical compositon of the martian surface; structure and circulation of the martian atmosphere; and structure and dynamics of the martian interior.
requirements solar array Pathfinder↗
TPV Cell IV Curve Testing With Varying Black Body Emission Temperatures, Intensities, and Cell Temperatures
Thermophotoboltaics (TPV) is an energy conversion method whtih converts heat into electricity.
coefficients↗
Photovoltaic array space power plus diagnostics experiment
The objective is to summarize the five years of hardware development and fabrication represented by the Photovoltaic Array Space Power Plus Diagnostics (PASP Plus) Instrument. The original PASP Experiment requirements and background is presented along with the modifications which were requested to transform the PASP Experiment into the PASP Plus Instrument. The PASP Plus hardware and software is described. Test results for components and subsystems are given as well as final system tests. Also included are appendices which describe the major subsystems and present supporting documentation such as block diagrams, schematics, circuit board artwork, drawings, test procedures and test reports.
Burger, D. R.↗
Circuit analysis method for thin-film solar cell modules
The design of a thin-film solar cell module is dependent on the probability of occurrence of pinhole shunt defects. Using known or assumed defect density data, dichotomous population statistics can be used to calculate the number of defects expected in a module. Probability theory is then used to assign the defective cells to individual strings in a selected series-parallel circuit design. Iterative numerical calculation is used to calcuate I-V curves using cell test values or assumed defective cell values as inputs. Good and shunted cell I-V curves are added to determine the module output power and I-V curve. Different levels of shunt resistance can be selected to model different defect levels.
Burger, D. R.↗
Summary of process research analysis efforts
A summary of solar-cell process research analysis efforts was presented. Process design and cell design are interactive efforts where technology from integrated circuit processes and other processes are blended. The primary factors that control cell efficiency are: (1) the bulk parameters of the available sheet material, (2) the retention and enhancement of these bulk parameters, and (3) the cell design and the cost to produce versus the finished cells performance. The process sequences need to be tailored to be compatible with the sheet form, the cell shape form, and the processing equipment. New process options that require further evaluation and utilization are lasers, robotics, thermal pulse techniques, and new materials. There are numerous process control techniques that can be adapted and used that will improve product uniformity and reduced costs. Two factors that can lead to longer life modules are the use of solar cell diffusion barriers and improved encapsulation.
Burger, D. R.↗
High-efficiency device research
Progress on research in high-efficiency silicon solar cells is presented. Topics addressed include: recombination measurement techniques, doped crystals, minority carrier transport, oxygen process in solar cells, solar cell models, loss mechanics in solar cells, high-efficiency metal insulators, dendritic web cells, and surface and bulk loss reduction by low-energy hydrogen doping.
Burger, D. R.↗
Pvarray: A software tool for photovoltaic array design
The application of PVARRAY, a software program for design of photovoltaic arrays are described. Results of sample parametric studies on array configurations are presented. It is concluded that PVARRAY could simulate a variety of configurations.
Burger, D. R.↗
Measuring The Contact Resistances Of Photovoltaic Cells
Simple method devised to measure contact resistances of photovoltaic solar cells. Method uses readily available equipment and applicable at any time during life of cell. Enables evaluation of cell contact resistance, contact-end resistance, contact resistivity, sheet resistivity, and sheet resistivity under contact.
Burger, D. R.↗
Terrestrial photovoltaic cell process testing
The paper examines critical test parameters, criteria for selecting appropriate tests, and the use of statistical controls and test patterns to enhance PV-cell process test results. The coverage of critical test parameters is evaluated by examining available test methods and then screening these methods by considering the ability to measure those critical parameters which are most affected by the generic process, the cost of the test equipment and test performance, and the feasibility for process testing.
Burger, D. R.↗
Photovoltaic array performance and life-cycle cost simulation using new software tools
The three computer models, SAMICS, PVARRAY, and LCP can be used together as a single analytical tool to compare the lifetime economic value of a photovoltaic (PV) array. This evaluation can be used to compare various module and array configurations and the performance characteristics of different module manufacturing technologies.
Daniel, R. E.↗
Optimizing Grid Patterns on Photovoltaic Cells
CELCAL computer program helps in optimizing grid patterns for different photovoltaic cell geometries and metalization processes. Five different powerloss phenomena associated with front-surface metal grid pattern on photovoltaic cells.
Burger, D. R.↗
Better Thermal Insulation in Solar-Array Laminators
Glass marbles improve temperature control. Modified vacuum laminator for photovoltaic solar arrays includes thermal insulation made of conventional glass marbles. Marbles serve as insulation for temperature control of lamination process at cure temperatures as high as 350 degrees F. Used to replace original insulation made of asbestos cement.
Burger, D. R.↗
Getting the current out
Progress of a photovoltaic (PV) device from a research concept to a competitive power-generation source requires an increasing concern with current collection. The initial metallization focus is usually on contact resistance, since a good ohmic contact is desirable for accurate device characterization measurements. As the device grows in size, sheet resistance losses become important and a metal grid is usually added to reduce the effective sheet resistance. Later, as size and conversion efficiency continue to increase, grid-line resistance and cell shadowing must be considered simultaneously, because grid-line resistance is inversely related to total grid-line area and cell shadowing is directly related. A PV cell grid design must consider the five power-loss phenomena mentioned above: sheet resistance, contact resistance, grid resistance, bus-bar resistance and cell shadowing. Although cost, reliability and usage are important factors in deciding upon the best metallization system, this paper will focus only upon grid-line design and substrate material problems for flat-plate solar arrays.
Burger, D. R.↗
Development of a large low-cost double-chamber vacuum laminator
A double-chamber vacuum laminator was required to investigate the processing and control of the fabrication of large terrestrial photovoltaic modules, and economic problems arising therefrom. Major design considerations were low cost, process flexibility and the exploration of novel equipment approaches. Spherical end caps for industrial tanks were used for the vacuum chambers. A stepping programmer and adjustable timers were used for process flexibility. New processing options were obtained by use of vacuum sensors. The upper vacuum chamber was provided with a diaphragm support to reduce diaphragm stress. A counterweight was used for handling ease and safety. Heat was supplied by a large electrical strip heater. Thermal isolation and mechanical support were provided inexpensively by a bed of industrial marbles. Operational testing disclosed the need for a differential vacuum gauge and proportional valve. Reprogramming of the process control system was simple and quick.
Burger, D. R.↗
Vacuum lamination of photovoltaic modules
Vacuum lamination of terrestrial photovoltaic modules is a new high volume process requiring new equipment and newly develop materials. Equipment development, materials research, and some research in related fields and testing methods are discussed.
Burger, D. R.↗