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Multi Junction Solar cells for Satellite

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Missile Defense Agency 		Award ID:
94848 		Program Year/Program:
2010 / STTR
Agency Tracking Number:
B09B-005-0017 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
MDA 09T005 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
CFD Research Corporation
215 Wynn Dr. 5th Floor Huntsville, AL 35805-1926
View profile »
Woman-Owned: Yes
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2010
Title: Multi Junction Solar cells for Satellite
Agency / Branch: DOD / MDA
Contract: HQ0006-10-C-7386
Award Amount: $99,913.00
 

Abstract:

Higher efficiency solar cells are needed to reduce mass, volume, and cost of DoD space missions. However, to achieve higher efficiency and radiation hardness of the best to date multi-junction photovoltaic (PV) devices, several challenges must be addressed. This project aims to develop: 1) Quantum Well (QW)-based multi-junction cell that exhibits enhanced efficiency, and 2) Radiation-hardened PV cell design demonstrating the radiation tolerance of the QW multi-junction cell. Customized modeling tools will enable QW optimization, including: (a) geometrical ordering and variable QW size, (b) increased transport and separation of photogenerated carriers; and (c) improved electrical conductivity and enhanced collection efficiency. In Phase I, CFDRC, together with Rochester Institute of Technology, will concentrate on the design and demonstration of the middle cell in a multi-junction (InGaP/GaAs/Ge) configuration, the most sensitive to radiation effects. The design and implementation of QWs in this middle cell will be directly applicable to a state-of-the-art lattice-matched cell and a metamorphic cell. We will fabricate a prototype QW cell and perform baseline irradiation testing/evaluation. Phase II will continue development by implementing the QW response and radiation resistance within a multi-junction cell, resulting in significantly improved QW solar cell performance under AM0 spectrum and post-irradiation at the end of life.

Principal Investigator:

Alex Fedoseyev
Senior Principal Engineer
2567264800
tsb@cfdrc.com

Business Contact:

Deb Phipps
Senior Contracts Specialist
2567264884
dap@cfdrc.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

CFD Research Corporation
215 Wynn Dr., 5th Floor Huntsville, AL 35805

EIN/Tax ID: 630944385
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
Research Institution Information:
Rochester Institute of Technology
University SC, Suite 2400
141 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, NY 35805
Contact: Katherine A. Clark
Contact Phone: 5854757984