Published August 4, 2022 | Version Published version
Journal article Open

Solar Energy in Space Applications: Review and Technology Perspectives

  • 1. Department of ChiBioFarAm University of Messina, Messina I-98166, Italy
  • 2. Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Bari, Bari I-70125, Italy
  • 3. CHOSE (Centre for Hybrid and Organic Solar Energy), Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy; ISM-CNR Institute of Structure of Matter National Research Council, Roma I-00133, Italy
  • 4. Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Physical Sciences and Earth Sciences University of Messina, Messina I-98166, Italy; CNR Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes (IPCF) Messina I-98158, Italy

Description

Solar cells (SCs) are the most ubiquitous and reliable energy generation systems for aerospace applications. Nowadays, III–V multijunction solar cells (MJSCs) represent the standard commercial technology for powering space-craft, thanks to their high-power conversion efficiency and certified reliability/stability while operating in orbit. Nevertheless, spacecraft companies are still using cheaper Si-based SCs to amortize the launching costs of satellites. Moreover, in recent years, new SCs technologies based on Cu(In,Ga)Se2(CIGS) and perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as promising candi-dates for aerospace power systems, because of their appealing properties such as lightweightness, flexibility, cost-effective manufacturing, and excep-tional radiation resistance. In this review the current advancements and future challenges of SCs for aerospace applications are critically discussed. In particular, for each type of SC, a description of the device’s architecture, a summary of its performance, and a quantitative assessment of the radia-tion resistance are presented. Finally, considering the high potential that 2D-materials (such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, and transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides) have in improving both performance and stability of SCs, a brief overview of some important results concerning the influence of radiation on both 2D materials-based devices and monolayer of 2D materials is also included.

Files

22 Advanced Energy Materials - 2022 - Verduci - Solar Energy in Space Applications Review and Technology Perspectives.pdf

Additional details

Funding

VIPERLAB – Fully connected virtual and physical perovskite photovoltaics lab 101006715
European Commission