Researchers from the University of Michigan have developed an innovative type of solar panel using organic materials, designed to withstand harsh conditions in space. With funding from the U.S. Office of Naval Research, the team has successfully created a prototype that resists proton radiation damage, a common issue for traditional polymer-based solar panels. This breakthrough could lead to significant cost savings and longer mission durations for spacecraft.
The Problem with Current Solar Panels
Solar panels used in space face unique challenges. Unlike Earth-based panels, which can lose efficiency due to dust or bad weather, space-based panels are subjected to intense solar radiation. Over time, exposure to proton radiation from the sun causes micro-cracks in conventional polymer panels. These cracks trap electrons, reducing the panel’s ability to generate power.
“Silicon semiconductors degrade under proton irradiation,” explained Yongxi Li, a former University of Michigan researcher and lead author of the study. This degradation leads to a gradual decline in performance, a serious limitation for long-term missions.
To address this issue, the team turned to organic photovoltaics, designing panels specifically to resist the effects of proton bombardment. Unlike traditional panels made from silicon or gallium arsenide, the new organic panels proved both lighter and more flexible.
“Organic solar cells showed no damage after the equivalent of three years of radiation,” Li noted, highlighting their superior resilience. In contrast, polymer-based panels tested alongside them lost nearly half of their efficiency under the same conditions.
Advancing Space Technology
The researchers have already applied for a patent on their design and partnered with Universal Display Corp to bring the technology closer to commercial use. As they await approval, the team is exploring ways to further enhance the longevity of their solar panels.
One potential method involves thermal annealing—heating the solar cells to repair micro-cracks. “We can raise the temperature to 100°C to heal the damage,” said Stephen Forrest, a senior researcher on the project. However, whether this repair technique can be consistently applied in space remains uncertain.
While promising, the organic panel technology is still in its early stages. The team aims to refine its design to create solar panels that are even more resistant to radiation damage. Forrest and his colleagues are also exploring innovative ways to prevent electron traps from forming in the first place.
This breakthrough offers exciting possibilities for future space missions. By reducing costs and extending the lifespan of solar-powered spacecraft, the new technology could transform how we explore the cosmos.
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