You are here

Ultra-High-Efficiency, Multi-Junction Solar Cells for Space Applications

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA9453-12-M-0027
Agency Tracking Number: F112-058-1409
Amount: $150,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF112-058
Solicitation Number: 2011.2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2011
Award Year: 2012
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2011-12-01
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
6457 Howard Street
Niles, IL 60714
United States
DUNS: 135553472
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Noren Pan
 President
 (847) 588-3001
 npan@mldevices.com
Business Contact
 David McCallum
Title: Vice President
Phone: (847) 588-3001
Email: dmccallum@mldevices.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

ABSTRACT: The innovation in this proposed Phase I SBIR program is the development of a new type of top subcell for a novel, all-lattice-matched multijunction solar cell. The proposed structure will achieve a much higher end-of-life power conversion efficiency, in conjunction with a greatly increased power density, than current state-of-the-art photovoltaic technologies. Photovoltaic power sources for satellite applications must be high-efficiency, lightweight, and radiation-hard. MicroLink proposes to meet these criteria with an innovative, high-efficiency triple-junction solar cell lattice-matched to InP. The proposed cell comprises an InAlAsSb top subcell (1.80 eV), an InGaAlAs or GaAsP middle subcell (1.17 eV) and an InGaAs bottom subcell containing InGaAs quantum well layers (0.71 eV). The InAlAsSb subcell will be developed in the proposed program. With this multijunction bandgap combination, AM0 power conversion efficiencies greater than 40% should be achievable. MicroLink"s epitaxial lift-off process will be used to remove the substrate to produce ultra-lightweight, flexible, robust solar cells. Substrate reuse will render this InP-based approach cost-effective. BENEFIT: In addition to their application in satellites, high efficiency, lightweight solar cells are needed for many portable applications. The ability to quickly recharge the batteries of portable devices is highly attractive in areas where electricity has limited availability. As the cost of solar cells continues to decrease, novel consumer applications will be realized. The market potential is very large due to the increasing demand for portable electronic devices, such as smart phones and laptop computers.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government