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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1984

Solar energy modulator

A module is described with a receiver having a solar energy acceptance opening and supported by a mounting ring along the optic axis of a parabolic mirror in coaxial alignment for receiving solar energy from the mirror, and a solar flux modulator plate for varying the quantity of solar energy flux received by the acceptance opening of the module. The modulator plate is characterized by an annular, plate-like body, the internal diameter of which is equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the solar energy acceptance opening of the receiver. Slave cylinders are connected to the modulator plate for supporting the plate for axial displacement along the axis of the mirror, therby shading the opening with respect to solar energy flux reflected from the surface of the mirror to the solar energy acceptance opening.

Hale, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1966

Assembly jig assures reliable solar cell modules

Assembly jig holds the components for a solar cell module in place as the assembly is soldered and bonded by the even heat of an oven. The jig is designed to the configuration of the planned module. It eliminates uneven thermal conditions caused by hand soldering methods.

Ofarrell, H. O.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Some failure modes and analysis techniques for terrestrial solar cell modules

Analysis data are presented on failed/defective silicon solar cell modules of various types and produced by different manufacturers. The failure mode (e.g., internal short and open circuits, output power degradation, isolation resistance degradation, etc.) are discussed in detail and in many cases related to the type of technology used in the manufacture of the modules; wherever applicable, appropriate corrective actions are recommended. Consideration is also given to some failure analysis techniques that are applicable to such modules, including X-ray radiography, capacitance measurement, cell shunt resistance measurement by the shadowing technique, steady-state illumination test station for module performance illumination, laser scanning techniques, and the SEM.

Shumka, A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

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.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

ROSA and Solar Cell Module Combined Environments Test Plan

Roll-out solar array (ROSA) technology is an emerging component of the future of spacecraft photovoltaic power subsystems. Qualification and risk reduction testing are necessary to demonstrate design worthiness for spaceflight implementation of the array and solar cell modules. Maxar Space LLC and NASA have undertaken a rigorous combined environment (CE) test campaign for a ROSA design expected to be a part of the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) for the NASA Gateway which will be an outpost orbiting the Moon. The CE tests consist of several simulated space environment exposures associated with the planned mission: UV radiation, electron/proton radiation, xenon ion plume exposures, and vacuum thermal cycling and electrostatic discharge (ESD). These tests are conducted on small coupons consisting of the planned ROSA flight elements, and all tests are performed at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. This paper discusses the test plan, requirements for each environment, and the functional testing performed. Of note is a new approach for the induced primary arc used in the ESD testing, which better simulates the plasma expansion during the ESD event. Progress on executing the test plan is presented.

Space Environments Effects Testing↗
NASA NTRS1979

Environmental testing of block 2 solar cell modules

The testing procedures and results of samples of the LSA Project Block 2 procurement of silicon solar cell modules are described. Block 2 was the second large scale procurement of silicon solar cell modules made by the JPL Low-cost Solar Array Project with deliveries in 1977 and early 1978. The results showed that the Block 2 modules were greatly improved over Block 1 modules. In several cases it was shown that design improvements were needed to reduce environmental test degradation. These improvements were incorporated during this production run.

Griffith, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Status of FEP encapsulated solar cell modules used in terrestrial applications

FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) encapsulated solar cell modules and arrays have been designed and built expressly for terrestrial applications. Solar cell power systems have been installed at three different land sites, while individual modules are undergoing marine-environment tests. Four additional power systems are being completed for installation during the summer of 1974. These tests have revealed some minor problems which have been corrected. The results confirm the inherent utility of FEP encapsulated terrestrial solar cell systems.

Ratajczak, A. F.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The cosmic-ray spectra of H-1, H-2, and He-4 as a test of the origin of the hydrogen superfluxes at solar minimum modulation

Low-energy 1-AU cosmic-ray spectra obtained using the IMP-8 satellite cosmic-ray telescope (Garcia-Munoz et al., 1975) at quiet times during the solar minimum of 1972-1977 are reported and combined with published data on that minimum and the previous one (1965), with a focus on the anomalous He-4 and heavy-nucleus spectra and proton and helium superfluxes observed in 1972-1977. The 56-MeV/nucleon H-2/H-1 and H-2/He-4 abundance ratios and the differential energy spectra are plotted versus time and solar modulation level over an entire cycle, and the proton and He superfluxes, which do not contribute to the anomalies, are attributed to the reduced levels of residual modulation present during 1972-1977.

Beatty, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Interface design considerations for terrestrial solar cell modules

The need for increased solar array electrical efficiency and reliability in the achievement of future large-scale system cost goals is discussed. The relative performance of various array module designs currently on the market is evaluated, and further design improvements are suggested. The subjects of module efficiency, temperature control, and series/parallel reliability are analyzed. Applications for various combinations of array characteristics are considered.

Ross, R. G., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Failure analysis of thin-film amorphous-silicon solar-cell modules

A failure analysis of thin film amorphous silicon solar cell modules was conducted. The purpose of this analysis is to provide information and data for appropriate corrective action that could result in improvements in product quality and reliability. Existing techniques were expanded in order to evaluate and characterize degradational performance of a-Si solar cells. Microscopic and macroscopic defects and flaws that significantly contribute to performance degradation were investigated.

Kim, Q.↗
NASA NTRS1994

SAMPIE (Solar Array Module Plasma Interaction Experiment)

SAMPIE is an in-space technology experiment that flew on STS-62. Its intent is to investigate the potentially damaging effects of space plasma (gases) on different types, sizes, and shapes of solar cells, solar modules, and spacecraft materials.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1980

Method and apparatus for fabricating improved solar cell modules

A method and apparatus for fabricating an improved solar cell module is described. The apparatus includes a supply drum for feeding a flexible strip having etched electrical circuitry deposited on it a supply drum for feeding into overlying engagement with the flexible strip a flexible tape having a pair of exposed tacky surfaces, and a plurality of rams for receiving and depositing a plurality of solar cells in side-by-side relation on an exposed tacky surface of the tape in electrical contacting engagement with the etched circuitry.

Bloch, J. T.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Reliability analysis of Skylab ATM solar cell modules

A detailed reliability analysis was performed on both types of Skylab Apollo telescope mount solar cell modules. Failure rates used were based on testing of several modules of each type for over 4000 thermal cycles. The analysis delineated several important differences between the failure modes of the two differently designed solar cell modules, and, more importantly, showed that the modules can be expected to meet all mission requirements.

Jones, G. M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Solar Array Module Plasma Interaction Experiment (SAMPIE)

The objective of the Solar Array Module Plasma Interaction Experiment (SAMPIE) is to investigate, by means of a shuttle-based flight experiment and relevant ground-based testing, the arcing and current collection behavior of materials and geometries likely to be exposed to the LEO plasma on high-voltage space power systems, in order to minimize adverse environmental interactions. An overview of the SAMPIE program is presented in outline and graphical form.

Ferguson, Dale C.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Space Station Freedom solar dynamic modules structural modelling and analysis

In support of the Space Station Freedom (SSF) Solar Dynamic Power Module effort, structural design studies were performed to investigate issues related to the design of the power module, its pointing capabilities, and the integration of the module into the SSF infrastructure. Of particular concern from a structural viewpoint are the dynamics of the power module, the impact of the power module on the Space Station dynamics and controls, and the required control effort for obtaining the specified Solar Dynamic Power Module pointing accuracy. Structural analyses were performed to determine the structural dynamics attributes of both the existing and the proposed structural dynamics module designs. The objectives of these analyses were to generate validated Solar Dynamic Power Module NASTRAN finite element models, combine Space Station and power module models into integrated system models, perform finite element modal analyses to assess the effect of the relocations of the power module center of mass, and provide modal data to controls designers for control systems design.

Lawrence, Charles↗
NASA NTRS1993

Solar array module plasma interactions experiment (SAMPIE) - Science and technology objectives

The solar array module plasma interactions experiment (SAMPIE) is an approved NASA flight experiment manifested for Shuttle deployment in early 1994. The SAMPIE experiment is designed to investigate the interaction of high voltage space power systems with ionospheric plasma. To study the behavior of solar cells, a number of solar cell coupons (representing design technologies of current interest) will be biased to high voltages to measure both arcing and current collection. Various theories of arc suppression will be tested by including several specially modified cell coupons. Finally, SAMPIE will include experiments to study the basic nature of arcing and current collection. This paper describes the rationale for a space flight experiment, the measurements to be made, and the significance of the expected results. A future paper will present a detailed discussion of the engineering design.

Hillard, G. B.↗