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Methodology of the first combined in-flight and ex situ stability assessment of organic-based solar cells for space applications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 June 2018

Dieter Schreurs ,
Steven Nagels ,
Ilaria Cardinaletti ,
Tim Vangerven ,
Rob Cornelissen ,
Jelle Vodnik ,
Jaroslav Hruby ,
Wim Deferme  and
Jean V. Manca
Dieter Schreurs*
Affiliation:
Institute for Materials Research, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek 3590, Belgium; and IMEC vzw – Division IMOMEC, Diepenbeek 3590, Belgium
Steven Nagels
Affiliation:
Institute for Materials Research, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek 3590, Belgium; and IMEC vzw – Division IMOMEC, Diepenbeek 3590, Belgium
Ilaria Cardinaletti
Affiliation:
Institute for Materials Research, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek 3590, Belgium; and IMEC vzw – Division IMOMEC, Diepenbeek 3590, Belgium
Tim Vangerven
Affiliation:
Institute for Materials Research, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek 3590, Belgium; and IMEC vzw – Division IMOMEC, Diepenbeek 3590, Belgium
Rob Cornelissen
Affiliation:
X-LAB, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek 3590, Belgium
Jelle Vodnik
Affiliation:
X-LAB, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek 3590, Belgium
Jaroslav Hruby
Affiliation:
Institute for Materials Research, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek 3590, Belgium; and IMEC vzw – Division IMOMEC, Diepenbeek 3590, Belgium
Wim Deferme
Affiliation:
Institute for Materials Research, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek 3590, Belgium; and IMEC vzw – Division IMOMEC, Diepenbeek 3590, Belgium
Jean V. Manca
Affiliation:
X-LAB, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek 3590, Belgium
*
a)Address all correspondence to this author. e-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

One of the key aims of the OSCAR project (Optical Sensors based on CARbon-materials)—in the framework of the REXUS/BEXUS program—was to explore the use of organic-based solar cells for (aero)space applications through the in-flight investigation of devices’ performance during a stratospheric balloon flight. Next to the in-flight experiments, complementary lab stability assessment tests were performed. In this contribution, both the in-flight and lab experimental methodology and the corresponding technical aspects will be discussed in detail. Furthermore, attention will be paid to the issues of packaging and radiation. The importance of the OSCAR-balloon experiment is not only that it has demonstrated for the first time the use of organic-based solar cells in (aero)space conditions but also that it can be considered as the pioneering start of specific stability assessment methodologies for organic-based solar cells for (aero)space applications.

Keywords

photovoltaicorganicpackaging
Type
Invited Article
Information
Journal of Materials Research , Volume 33 , Issue 13: Focus Issue: Stabilization of Organic Electronic Materials and Devices , 14 July 2018 , pp. 1841 - 1852
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Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2018 

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Footnotes

b)

These authors contributed equally to this work.

References

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