Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “interconnector”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1971

Silicon solar cell interconnectors for low temperature applications.

Discussion of the design and techniques of solar cell interconnections meeting the requirements of mission life expectancies of 5 to 10 years in the face of the vibration stresses of launch and the stresses induced (especially between dissimilar materials with different thermal coefficients of expansion) by thermal cycling throughout the mission. Generalized stress equations are developed that give the minimum stress relief loop dimensions for a 'no fatigue' interconnector. Also, the thermal expansion stresses induced at the metal-to-silicon interface were investigated and generalized equations developed for determining the stresses in each of the members. These relationships, as verified by experimental tests, can be used to determine the maximum allowable interconnector thickness for failure prevention in thermal cycling environments.

Ralph, E. L.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Particle-in-cell simulations of sheath formation around biased interconnectors in a low-earth-orbit plasma

The interaction between satellite solar arrays and the LEO plasma is presently studied with particle-in-cell simulations in which an electrical potential was suddenly applied to the solar cell interconnector. The consequent temporal response was followed for the real O(+)-electron mass ratio in the cases of 100- and 250-V solar cells, various solar cell thicknesses, and solar cells with secondary electron emission. Larger applied potentials and thinner solar cells lead to greater initial polarization surface charges, and therefore longer discharging and shielding times. When secondary electron emission from the cover glass is brought to bear, however, the potential structure is nearly planar, allowing constant interaction between plasma electrons and cover glass; a large fraction of the resulting secondary electrons is collected by the interconnector, constituting an order-of-magnitude increase in collected current.

Thiemann, H.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Improved circuit-board interconnectors

One component serves three functions, electrical interconnections, thermal control, and mechanical integrity, at same time. Several versions of design: (1) Insulated support plate contains holes; (2) Alternate support plate configuration uses rivets instead of pins; and (3) Another configuration includes leaf-spring contacts instead of pins or rivets.

Martin, J. H.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Copper alloys for interconnectors and methods for making the same

Metallic alloy interconnects (which can comprise copper) with low electrical resistivity and methods for making the same are disclosed. The electrical resistivity of thin film copper alloys was reduced by 36% with niobium solute and by 51% with iron solute compared to pure copper counterpart in dilute solute regimes (0-1.5 atomic %). The fabrication method is operated at room temperature, and does not require a high temperature annealing step.

Gianola, Daniel S.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Thermoelastic analysis of solar cell arrays and their material properties

A thermoelastic stress analysis procedure is reported for predicting the thermally induced stresses and failures in silicon solar cell arrays. A prerequisite for the analysis is the characterization of the temperature-dependent thermal and mechanical properties of the solar cell materials. Extensive material property testing was carried out in the temperature range -200 to +200 C for the filter glass, P- and N-type silicon, interconnector metals, solder, and several candidate silicone rubber adhesives. The analysis procedure is applied to several solar cell array design configurations. Results of the analysis indicate the optimum design configuration, with respect to compatible materials, effect of the solder coating, and effect of the interconnector geometry. Good agreement was found between results of the analysis and the test program.

Salama, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Thermoelastic analysis of solar cell arrays and their material properties

Announced report discusses experimental test program in which five different solar cell array designs were evaluated by subjecting them to 60 thermal cycles from minus 190 deg to 0.0 deg. Results indicate that solder-coated cells combined with Kovar n-interconnectors and p-interconnectors are more durable under thermal loading than other configurations.

Salama, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Thermoelastic analysis of solar cell arrays and their material properties

Description of a thermoelastic stress analysis procedure for predicting the thermally induced stresses and failures in silicon solar cell arrays. A prerequisite for the analysis is the characterization of the temperature-dependent thermal and mechanical properties of the solar cell materials. Extensive material property testing was carried out in the temperature range from -200 to +200 C for the filter glass, P- and N-type silicon, interconnector metals, solder, and several candidate silicone rubber adhesives. The analysis procedure is applied to several solar cell array design configurations, which were tested in the Space Molecular Sink. Results of the analysis indicate the optimum design configuration with respect to materials and geometry, effect of the solder coating, and effect of the interconnector geometry.

Salama, M. A.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Singapore-US Feasibility Study on Regional Energy Connectivity

There is strong potential amongst the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to adopt subsea interconnectors and benefit from increased energy trade and decarbonization benefits. As part of the Net Zero World Initiative, co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Energy Market Authority of Singapore, the technical and economic potential for such connectivity was investigated. This interim report provides a summary of the economic and technical feasibility analysis conducted related to increasing regional connectivity in Southeast Asia via subsea cables.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2019

PEDOT:PSS for Flexible and Stretchable Electronics: Modifications, Strategies, and Applications

Abstract Substantial effort has been devoted to both scientific and technological developments of wearable, flexible, semitransparent, and sensing electronics (e.g., organic/perovskite photovoltaics, organic thin‐film transistors, and medical sensors) in the past decade. The key to realizing those functionalities is essentially the fabrication of conductive electrodes with desirable mechanical properties. Conductive polymers (CPs) of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) have emerged to be the most promising flexible electrode materials over rigid metallic oxides and play a critical role in these unprecedented devices as transparent electrodes, hole transport layers, interconnectors, electroactive layers, or motion‐sensing conductors. Here, the current status of research on PEDOT:PSS is summarized including various approaches to boosting the electrical conductivity and mechanical compliance and stability, directly linked to the underlying mechanism of the performance enhancements. Along with the basic principles, the most cutting edge‐progresses in devices with PEDOT:PSS are highlighted. Meanwhile, the advantages and plausible problems of the CPs and as‐fabricated devices are pointed out. Finally, new perspectives are given for CP modifications and device fabrications. This work stresses the importance of developing CP films and reveals their critical role in the evolution of these next‐generation devices featuring wearable, deformable, printable, ultrathin, and see‐through characteristics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Assessment of Regional Interconnections to Meet Southeast Asia's Renewable Energy Targets: Phase I of the Singapore – U.S. Collaboration

This report summarizes the results of a study of long-distance subsea electrical interconnections in Southeast Asia, conducted under the first phase of the Singapore-U.S. collaboration under the Net Zero World Initiative. In Phase 1, the Net Zero World team evaluated the current state of the renewable energy landscape in Southeast Asia; developed an open-source capacity expansion model using GridPath and evaluated several future scenarios including changes in interregional transmission; explored the technical feasibility of regional subsea interconnectors; and estimated socio-economic benefits of expanded regional transmission.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
NASA NTRS1973

Feasibility study of a 110 watt per kilogram lightweight solar array system

The feasibility of a 10,000 watt solar array panel which has a minimum power-to-mass ratio of 110 watt/kg is discussed. The application of this ultralightweight solar array to three possible missions was investigated. With the interplanetary mission as a baseline, the constraining requirements for a geosynchronous mission and for a manned space station mission are presented. A review of existing lightweight solar array system concepts revealed that changes in the system approach are necessary to achieve the specified 110 watt/kg goal. A comprehensive review of existing component technology is presented in the areas of thin solar cells, solar cell covers, welded interconnectors, substrates and deployable booms. Advances in the state-of-the-art of solar cell and deployable boom technology were investigated. System level trade studies required to select the optimum boom bending stiffness, system aspect ratio, bus voltage level, and solar cell circuit arrangement are reported. Design analysis tasks included the thermal analysis of the solar cell blanket, thermal stress analysis of the solar cell interconnectors/substrate, and the thermostructural loading of the deployed boom.

Shepard, N. F.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Development of a shingle-type solar cell module

The development of a solar cell module, which is suitable for use in place of shingles on the sloping roofs of residental or commercial buildings, is reported. The design consists of nineteen series-connected 53 mm diameter solar cells arranged in a closely packed hexagon configuration. The shingle solar cell module consists of two basic functional parts: an exposed rigid portion which contains the solar cell assembly, and a semi-flexible portion which is overlapped by the higher courses of the roof installation. Consideration is given to the semi-flexible substrate configuration and solar cell and module-to-module interconnectors. The results of an electrical performance analysis are given and it is noted that high specific power output can be attributed to the efficient packing of the circular cells within the hexagon shape. The shingle should function for at least 15 years, with a specific power output of 98 W/sq w.

Shepard, N. F., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Interconnecting conductively coated coverslides

The International Sun Earth Explorer-1 has the requirement that the entire outer surface of the spacecraft be conductive. A transparent coating of indium oxide was deposited for that reason on the satellite's solar cell coverglasses in order to give them a conductive surface, and the surfaces were interconnected to ground. This paper examines the interconnector attachment problem. On the ISEE-1, wires were bonded to the coverglasses by using a conductive epoxy; the resistance of these bonds increased dramatically with time. A program was initiated to find the functional cause of the resistance increase and to flight-qualify an alternative method of bonding. It was found the tests initiated were insufficient to find the cause of resistance increase and that an alternative solution of using indium solder is acceptable for bonding wires directly to indium oxide.

Gaddy, E. M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

SLAM examination of solar cells and solar cell welds

The scanning laser acoustic microscope (SLAM) has been evaluated for non-destructive examination of solar cells and interconnector bonds. Using this technique, it is possible to view through materials in order to reveal regions of discontinuity such as microcracks and voids. Of particular interest is the ability to evaluate, in a unique manner, the bonds produced by parallel gap welding. It is possible to not only determine the area and geometry of the bond between the tab and cell, but also to reveal any microcracks incurred during the welding. By correlating the SLAM results with conventional techniques of weld evaluation a more confident weld parameter optimization can be obtained.

Stella, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Development of technologies for welding interconnects to fifty-micron thick silicon solar cells

A program was conducted to develop technologies for welding interconnects to 50 microns thick, 2 by 2 cm solar cells. The cells were characterized with respect to electrical performance, cell thickness, silver contact thickness, contact waviness, bowing, and fracture strength. Weld schedules were independently developed for each of the three cell types and were coincidentally identical. Thermal shock tests (100 cycles from 100 C to -180 C) were performed on 16 cell coupons for each cell type without any weld joint failures or electrical degradation. Three 48 cell modules (one for each cell type) were assembled with 50 microns thick cells, frosted fused silica covers, silver clad Invar interconnectors, and Kapton substrates.

Patterson, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Welding interconnects to 50-micron silicon solar cells

A program was conducted to develop technologies for welding interconnects to 50-micron thick, 2 by 2 cm solar cells obtained from three suppliers. The cells were characterized with respect to electrical performance, cell thickness, silver contact thickness, contact waviness, bowing, and fracture strength. Weld schedules were independently developed for each of the three cell types and were coincidentally identical. Thermal shock tests (100 cycles from 100 deg to -180 deg C) were performed on 16-cell coupons for each cell type without any weld joint failures or electrical degradation. Three 48-cell modules (one for each cell type) were assembled with 50-micron thick cells, frosted fused silica covers, silver clad Invar interconnectors, and Kapton substrates.

Patterson, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1985

NASA welding assessment program

A program was conducted to demonstrate the cycle life capability of welded solar cell modules relative to a soldered solar cell module in a simulated low earth orbit thermal environment. A total of five 18-cell welded (parallel gap resistance welding) modules, three 18-cell soldered modules, and eighteen single cell samples were fabricated using 2 x 4 cm silicon solar cells from ASEC, fused silica cover glass from OCLI, silver plated Invar interconnectors, DC 93-500 adhesive, and Kapton-Kevlar-Kapton flexible substrate material. Zero degree pull strength ranged from 2.4 to 5.7 lbs for front welded contacts (40 samples), and 3.5 to 6.2 lbs for back welded contacts (40 samples). Solar cell cross sections show solid state welding on both front and rear contacts. The 18-cell welded modules have a specific power of 124 W/kg and an area power density of 142 W/sq m (both at 28 C). Three welded and one soldered module were thermal cycle tested in a thermal vacuum chamber simulating a low earth orbit thermal environment.

Patterson, R. E.↗