Value chain · CLM-0202
In plain terms
In simulation, this new cell design can produce a strong 1 kW per square metre of power while staying at a moderate 50 degrees C.
The claim as recorded
The ASTRAL concept, with its MFC (AZO-free) coating, is modeled to generate 1 kW/m2 of electric power at an operating temperature of 50 degrees C under low solar concentration (under 10 suns).
Scope and limits
MODELED only. The paper explicitly notes the concentrator system, structural mounting and radiator (if any) are not yet defined, so this power density is not yet tied to a specific buildable SBSP satellite design.
What it assumes
The equilibrium power-flux model in the paper (blackbody structural support, perfect thermal contact between components, no radiative coupling between subcells) holds; no fabricated device or radiator has been tested.
Where it comes from
"MFC (AZO-free) produces 25%-35% more power than the standard DLARC in the 10 degrees C-150 degrees C temperature range, and is capable of generating 1 kW/m2 at 50 degrees C" (SRC-003, PDF page 10). The paper's efficiency-versus-temperature relationship is modeled as linear, at about -0.02 to -0.03 %/K across 1-10 suns (same page).
Basis: electric power output per unit area, at an operating temperature of 50 degrees C, low concentration (under 10 suns)
Related records
- Answers question
- QST-002 not published in this release
Cite this
energyaperture.com/c/clm-0202
CLM-0202, Energy Aperture, as of 2025.
Connected records
Other published records linked to this one. A list, not a judgement.
- Also from SRC-003
- CLM-0200A new solar cell design, tested only in computer models, is predicted to convert more than 25% of sunlight to electricity in orbit.CLM-0431This cell design might need over 30 times less shielding mass, from a coating 50 times thinner, than today's space solar cells, while still...CLM-0508An independent university research group has modelled a solar-cell design that could need over thirty times less protective shielding...