United Solar Ovonic LLC, a leader in thin-film amorphous-silicon solar technology and a subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD Ovonics) (Nasdaq: ENER) announced the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, has exercised an 18-month contractual option for $9.1 million with United Solar Ovonic to develop new solar cell technology to be used in space and airship vehicles addressing defense and homeland security applications.
Today’s announcement builds upon the success of earlier contracts with the Air Force. Since May 2003, United Solar Ovonic has been working with the Advanced Space Power Generation Group in the Space Vehicles Directorate of AFRL to develop ultralightweight solar arrays on thin stainless steel foils and polymers for use in space and airship vehicles. Solar cells on thin stainless steel foil are already being tested in AFRL experimental missions such as TacSat-2 satellite, which was launched in December, 2006.
UNI-SOLAR® space photovoltaic (PV) products offer an ultralight, low- cost alternative to conventional space PV modules made of crystalline silicon or gallium arsenide. UNI-SOLAR® triple-junction modules, originally developed for terrestrial applications, are made of amorphous silicon-based thin-film alloys, which are deposited on a 5-mil flexible stainless steel substrate.
By utilizing a polymeric substrate, space cells have already been developed that have a specific power greater than 1000 Watts per kilogram (W/kg), which is significantly higher than what is currently available. A high specific power is required for airship application. The radiation hardness and superior high-temperature performance of amorphous silicon make it an attractive material for space application.
“Next generation solar arrays for Air Force missions need to be cheaper, lighter and more stowable than what are currently available,” said John Merrill, Program Manager of the AFRL Advanced Power Generation Program at Kirtland AFB.
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