LSA project technology development update
The state of low cost solar array technology is discussed. The goal of achieving $500/kW by 1986 is also discussed.
Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Goldsmith, J. V..
The state of low cost solar array technology is discussed. The goal of achieving $500/kW by 1986 is also discussed.
Specific problems affecting the development of low-cost silicon solar array power sources are discussed, taking into account the potential of realizing less than $0.50/per peak watt of silicon solar array technology. A utilization of less expensive processes for the manufacture of pure silicon and more economical procedures of silicon crystal and wafer production appear desirable. Attention is given to a sheet growth process example and a concept of pulsed processing for automated cell production.
The economic production of silicon solar cell arrays circumvents p-n junction degradation by nuclear doping, in which the Si-30 transmutes to P-31 after thermal neutron capture. Also considered are chemical purity specifications for improved silicon bulk states, surface induced states, and surface states.
Results of an ongoing program set up to evaluate solar terrestrial photovoltaic power sources. The results of this program, which now includes a solar array encapsulant and materials test and a solar-powered buoy study, are updated, and the results of efforts to study the dynamic interaction of a solar photovoltaic array and a water electrolysis system coupled to produce hydrogen are reported for the first time.
Spacecraft of the Mariner class have been used by the United States during the past 11 years for planetary exploration. During these missions, the solar array performance characteristics were carefully monitored, and the data were reduced and analyzed. In addition to the direct array telemetry itself, the five latest Mariners were also equipped with a special transducer to aid in evaluating performance and determining the cause of array degradation. This paper describes the performance results of the Mariner solar arrays and the intelligence returned from the special performance transducer carrier on the later flights.
Solar array technology has made significant improvements during the past five years in terms of the design and application of multikilowatt systems and in improvements of the specific power output capabilities of the arrays. The progress in array performance has been primarily due to array design. Experience in building, testing, and flying flexible arrays is giving confidence that they can be safely integrated into many spacecraft designs without deleterious coupling with the spacecraft control system.
Design, assembly, tests, and postflight analysis of Mariner Venus 67 solar panel
Solar battery with interconnecting means for plural cells
JPL Solar Electric 1975 Jupiter Flyby program designed to minimize risks of introducing prime solar electric propulsion into spacecraft
Flight performance and power system design of Mariner IV Mars probe