The proposed program will test the feasibility and key concepts towards the fabrication of a full-scale flexible thin film film photovoltaic blanket. In Phase I, the full size blanket will not be built. That will be undertaken in Phase II. Phase I will focus on the development and validity testing of the module coupon design, and the integration of the module coupons to fabricate a subscale photovoltaic blanket. The thin film structure that will be used is the multijunction amorphous silicon alloy solar cell. The work encompasses (1) defining system requirements, (2) module design and development, (3) fabrication of module coupons, (4) performing validation tests of the module coupons, (5) integration of the module coupons to fabricate a subscale blanket, and (6) performing validation tests of the subscale blanket. United Solar Systems Corp. will be the prime contractor and will be responsible for work related to the fabrication of the cells and module coupons. AEC-Able Engineering will be a subcontractor and will be responsible for the subscale blanket fabrication and various validation tests. Historically, this effort represents a milestone by bringing thin film photovoltaics of any type close to actual space application.
Benefits: Success of the program will help in meeting the needs of future high power spacecraft using a flexible thin film photovoltaic blanket. One example is the PowerSail. The program will enable United Solar Systems to enter the space power business for the first time. AEC-Able Engineering will establish greater market share in the space power market. A new breed of deployable space structures product line will open up new markets for both companies.
Keywords: Thin film solar cell, amorphous silicon, thin film photovoltaic blanket, PowerSail
