DEVELOPMENT STATUS OF EUROPEAN MULTI-JUNCTION SPACE SOLAR CELLS WITH HIGH RADIATION HARDNESS

摘要

Fraunhofer ISE and RWE SSP have developed a lattice-matched GaInP/GaInAs/Ge triple-junction space solar cell with a begin-of-life efficiency of 28.0% (AM0, 1367 W/m{sup}2, T=28°C) and excellent remaining factors of 90.5% after 5×10{sup}14 and 86.6% after 1×10{sup}15 1 MeV electron irradiation per cm{sup}2. This was accomplished by systematic optimisation of the middle cell design for maximum end-of-life performance. This new triple cell, the RWE3G-28%, constitutes the second generation of fully European triple-junction space solar cells which is now going into qualification. Future concepts such as light weight solar cells, five and six-junction cells and the use of metamorphic materials are under investigation.