Abstract
The operating temperature of a solar cell determines its efficiency and performance. This temperature depends on the materials used to build the cell but also on the environmental variables surrounding it (i.e., radiation, ambient temperature, wind speed and humidity). Several equations have been proposed to calculate this temperature, depending on these variables. Also, for Earth conditions, simplified equations have been developed, but are not valid for other planets, as Mars, where the environmental conditions are extremely different. In this paper, we develop a simplified equation to calculate the temperature of a solar cell under Mars environmental conditions and discuss the effect that altitude and wind on Mars might have on the solar cell temperature. The correct determination of the operating temperature of the cell will help to optimize the design of the next solar cell powered rovers for the exploration of Mars.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 74-79 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Solar Energy |
| Volume | 118 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Aug 1 2015 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Lander
- Mars environment
- Rover
- Solar cell temperature
- Space exploration missions
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
- Materials Science(all)