Optimization of silicon 8 cm*8 cm wrapthrough space station cells for 'on orbit' operation

The optimization of space station solar cells for on-orbit performance is described. Design trades were performed in which back AR coating thickness was traded against thermal absorptance and performance under front and back (albedo) illumination. Typical examples of modeled cell performance under different scenarios are given. Experimental illuminated output data under back illumination for specific AR coating thicknesses are also given. Computer modeling of the solar cell array using TRASYS and SINDA programs also provide on-orbit thermal data and performance predictions. The overall backside response from albedo illumination was found to make a considerable contribution to the total array performance, particularly during the early stages of space station assembly when the arrays are feathered.<>