Solar cell development for Mars exploration missions
- Paper number
IAC-05-C3.2.02
- Author
Dr. Nicola Baggio, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
- Year
2005
- Abstract
In this degree thesis, carried out in the Cesi’s labs of Milan, it is discussed the development of specific solar cells optimised for the Mars surface conditions. The main goal of this research (part of the Esa Aurora project) is to develop a solar cell able to work for a long period on the martian surface; in fact, a continuous power source (also in the worst seasons) is a primary condition to prepare a human mission: for instance to supply a ISRU mission. This study is divided in three sections; in the first part the particular operational conditions on Mars are specified: these are very different from those present in the outer space. The AM0 parameters are the base on which all the modern cells are developed, but unfortunately these types of cells are not optimised on Mars. Therefore, after the identification of the critical issues on Mars, we have design a new solar cell structure, more able to produce energy under low intensity, low temperature, indirect light and variable spectrum. During this phase a computer code was realised with the aims of: 1) Give a theoretical estimation of the solar cell behaviour under different Mars conditions 2) Compare experimental and theoretical data In the model it was introduced the spectral distribution on Mars surface calculated by Eads Astrium. The second section is dedicated to the measurements definition and in particular to the choice of a suitable testing device in order to reproduce Mars environment conditions. In fact the test plan shall be in line with the ECSS document but, at the same time, it must contain the non standard tests for a specific measurements in the martian conditions. Some optical filters can simulate the low intensity and the diffuse light (typically related with the dust storms) using a conventional sun simulator as light source. Two defined conditions are investigated: the first was called Mars1 (Ls = 90°,tau = 0.5, L = + 45° ; noon; 300 K) and the second Mars2 (Ls = 270°, tau = 2.0, L = + 45° ; noon; 210 K). To reach the low temperature in Mars2 it was used a device called MarsBox: in the lower chamber a flux of liquid nitrogen reduces the temperature while in the upper chamber the test cell is placed for the measure. In the last section the main results are presented with a comparison between different solar cells.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-C3.2.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.