Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Goodbody, C..
AM0 solar cell calibration laboratories throughout the world are working together to create standard methods for AM0 calibration. In an effort to compare the results of different calibration methods, five different laboratories calibrated GaAs and Si solar cells. The results of this inter-comparison are presented herein.
The results for the first year in orbit of the DRA solar cell experiment flying on the Surrey University UoSAT-5 satellite are described. Several problems were identified with the measured data, which are discussed along with the techniques used to remove or minimize the effect of the problems. After 1 year in orbit the majority of the cells flying on the experiment have undergone little or no degradation. The exception to this are all the ITO/InP cells, supplied by two different manufacturers, they are showing more degradation than the GaAs cells. This result is unexpected and currently unexplainable. It will be necessary to retrieve data from the experiment for several years to obtain the best results due to the relatively benign radiation environment.
The Defense Research Agency (DRA) has been active in the photovoltaic field since the early 1960's, then as the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE). The early work was aimed at developing silicon cells, solar panels, and light-weight flexible arrays in support of the 'UK' and 'X' series of British scientific and technology satellites, for which the RAE was either the design authority or technical advisor. The X3 satellite - Prospero, launched in 1971 test flew 50 micron wrap-round silicon cells. The X4 satellite - Miranda, launched in 1974 test flew a deployable flexible silicon array which was developed at the DRA. During this period an extensive range of test equipment was developed which was maintained, modernized, and extended to date. Following a period of reduced activity in the late 1970's and early 1980's the current program evolved. The programs that have been undertaken since 1983 are briefly summarized. These range from various cell developments, new types of coverglasses, flight experiments, radiation testing, primary cell calibration, and environmental testing. The current photovoltaic program is mainly funded by the UK Ministry of Defence and by the Department of Trade and Industry through the British National Space Center (BNSC). The program is aimed at research and development, both internally and with industry, to meet the customer's technical objectives and requirements and to provide them with technical advice. The facilities are also being used on contract work for various national and international organizations.