Ensuring Solar Cell Reliability to Protect Your Mission
Solar cells are the backbone of satellite power systems. As the primary source of energy for satellites, their reliability is crucial for mission success. Solar arrays, which are a collection of solar cells, can span vast distances, making them challenging components to test.
How Space Conditions Impact Solar Cell Reliability
Solar cells are exposed to several environmental factors that can affect their performance and longevity. Radiation can penetrate cells, causing displacement damage in the semiconductor material, reducing their efficiency over time. Thermal extremes cause materials to expand and contract, leading to mechanical stress and potential failure. The vacuum of space can cause outgassing of materials and cold welding of metal contacts, affecting the integrity of solar cell assemblies. These challenges make rigorous testing essential to ensure reliability before launch.
Ensuring Solar Cell Reliability with Physical Testing and Simulation
Electro Magnetic Applications, Inc. (EMA) offers the most comprehensive solar cell testing plan. It includes physical testing in our Space Environment and Radiation Effects (SERE) chamber and simulation with Ansys Charge Plus.
During SERE testing, smaller coupons are used. These coupons are made with the same materials and processes as the full arrays. They are exposed to controlled environments, resembling the space plasma and include details such as capacitance, inductance, and resistance. This approach allows us to replicate the energy of an electrostatic discharge (ESD) that a large array might experience, making the testing both practical and representative.
Ansys Charge Plus allows us to recreate different space environments digitally to predict how the satellite and its solar cells will react. Simulation data is used to charge the test coupons in SERE to specific differential potentials, mimicking real-world conditions. This combination of simulation and physical testing ensures solar cells will perform reliability in orbit.
Safeguard Space Missions
Through rigorous testing and simulation, EMA helps safeguard satellite missions by verifying that solar cells can withstand the harsh realities off space. Our expertise and advanced tools provide confidence that these critical systems will deliver power when it matters most. Contact EMA by clicking here to learn more and get started.
