Technological developments
causes of the optical absorption loss. Williams International FJ33 turbofan. end manufacturing solution. Oerlikon
SANYO has recently developed know-how The efficient engine will provide the UAV Solar’s advanced PV technologies
to reduce optical absorption loss in both remarkable climb rates and high altitude and process integration know-how
the a-Si layer and transparent conductive quick access to areas requiring surveillance. result in an optimized manufacturing
layer. As a result, the short circuit current Charlie Johnson, chief operating solution that is able to achieve higher
(Isc), or the maximum current that can be officer of Bye Aerospace, said the Silent conversion efficiencies and lower cost
produced by the solar cell, was improved Sentinel is a robust, long-range UAV of ownership. An example of this
from 39.2mA/cm
2
to 39.5mA/cm
2
. that will incorporate several proprietary technology optimization is Oerlikon
clean energy features. “Ultimately, it will Solar’s integration of a proprietary
3. Reduction of resistance loss. In the provide advanced tactical reconnaissance process to deposit high-quality transparent
solar cell, generated electric current functionality while utilizing a uniquely conducting oxide (TCO) on the front
is collected by and taken out through long endurance, highly capable tactical and back surfaces of the active thin film
the surface grid electrode. SANYO has sensor platform that is operationally silicon junction. This TCO is engineered
recently realized lower-resistance electrode stealthy and cost-effective to operate. The to optimize the performance of the
material for use in the grid electrode and unique characteristics of the Ascent Solar Micromorph technology by improving
a higher-aspect ratio through improving flexible modules allow us to design this light transmittance and light scattering,
printing technology, leading to a success UAV to become very energy efficient.” resulting in maximum efficiency and
in reduction of resistance loss when an “Our flexible, monolithically electricity output.
electric current flows through the grid integrated CIGS PV technology offers the “We are confident that our ability
electrode. As a result, the fill factor (FF, the ideal combination of low weight, higher to repeatedly achieve record results can
total output divided by the product of Voc voltage, and high performance that makes be transferred into mass production
and Ioc) was improved from 0.791 to 0.80. it ideal for applications such as the Silent soon,” said Dr. Juerg Henz, head of
Sentinel,” said Dr. Joseph Armstrong, thin film engineering and operations.
The characteristics of the HIT solar cell chief technical officer of Ascent Solar Oerlikon Solar’s IEC certified
Open circuit voltage (Voc) 0.729V Technologies. Micromorph® technology significantly
Short circuit current (Isc) 3.968A Potential military applications include boosts solar cell efficiency by adding
(39.5mA/cm
2
) border patrol, search and rescue, visual a second microcrystalline absorber to
Fill factor (FF) 80.0% and thermal reconnaissance, and forward the amorphous silicon (a-Si) layer. This
Cell energy conversion efficiency 23.0% air control. In addition, potential civil layer converts the energy of the red
Cell size 100.4cm
2
applications include traffic control, and near-infrared spectrum, facilitating
pipeline and power line inspection, aerial efficiency increases of up to 50 percent.
This achievement by SANYO represents law enforcement, forest fire detection and The Micromorph technology also bolsters
the first time that a photovoltaic aerial photography. Initial meetings are overall module power, enabling a growing
manufacturer has broken through the being conducted with US Government number of PV module manufacturers
23% mark in conversion efficiency at entities regarding the capabilities of the around the globe to produce cost-effective
the research-level for practical-sized solar aircraft. More are planned in the near high-performance thin film silicon solar
cells. SANYO will continue to advance term. www.ByeAerospace.com, www. modules.”
its efforts into applying this research-level ascentsolar.com.
achievement into mass production, and Mitsubishi develops world’s first
promote further research into energy New record for oerlikon Solar’s organic photovoltaics module
efficiency, as well as reductions in cost and Micromorph® technology Mitsubishi Cooperation (MC), the
materials. Oerlikon Solar has achieved a new record National Institute of Advanced Industrial
efficiency level for commercial thin film Science and Technology (AIST) and Tokki
ascent Solar modules to be silicon PV modules. Recent test results Corporation (TOKKI) have succeeded in
designed into the development of from Oerlikon Solar’s pilot production developing a new, highly integrated organic
hybrid line in Switzerland show that full-size photovoltaics (OPV) module.
Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc., Micromorph modules (1.4 m
2
) have 151 MC, AIST and TOKKI have been con-
announced that its state-of-the-art, flexible Watts initial power, or 11 percent initial ducting a joint research and development
thin-film photovoltaic modules will be power conversion efficiency. This result project for OPVs since March 20, 2008.
designed into the development of a sets a new industry record for production OPVs are a well–known type of third-gen-
hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle (H-UAV) thin film silicon modules. Oerlikon Solar eration photovoltaics that use organic ma-
called the Silent Sentinel, developed by was able to consistently reproduce modules terials to make light, thin and colorful film
Bye Aerospace, Inc. The H-UAV will with similar record results, demonstrating PV modules. OPVs are expected to be used
be designed primarily for military use; a stable and scalable process. in windows, walls, cloths, textiles, outdoor
however, its capabilities will also include Oerlikon Solar has previously equipment and toys. These applications
a broad spectrum of civil applications. announced an ambitious production cost have proven difficult for the silicon type of
The first of its kind hybrid utilizes stored target of USD 0.70 per watt peak and is on PV modules currently in use, and the hope
electric power, thin film solar photovoltaics track to achieve this target by end of 2010. is that OPVs will be more effective. Until
(PV) and other technologies to enhance Increased module efficiency and power are now, however, the efficiency of OPVs in
its endurance, quiet operations and low key contributors to this goal. converting sunlight has been a problem.
emissions. The excellent performance of the MC, AIST and TOKKI now believe
For primary propulsion, the hybrid record modules demonstrates the they have developed a highly integrated
UAV will be coupled with an advanced advantage of Oerlikon Solar’s end to
continued on page 31
26 – Global Solar Technology – July/August 2009
www.globalsolartechnology.com
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