Scholarlink

<p>The reliability of satellite solar arrays relies on robust interconnections between solar cells that can withstand severe thermal cycling in orbit. Parallel-gap resistance welding (PGRW) is preferred in space applications over soldering due to its mechanical and electrical advantages, though success depends on carefully selected parameters. This study investigates the performance of GaAs space solar cells with silver interconnectors welded using PGRW under defined conditions (1.2 V, 100 ms pulse, 300 g electrode force). Assessments of mechanical strength, visual integrity, and electrical performance were conducted both before and after accelerated thermal cycling equivalent to 1 year in low Earth orbit. All welded joints met the ECSS-E-ST-20-08C minimum pull strength of 3 N, with many exceeding 7 N. Electrical losses averaged below 2%, in compliance with AIAA S-111A-2014 standards. After thermal cycling, joints maintained mechanical robustness and showed negligible additional electrical degradation. By comparison, the unwelded control cell experienced significant performance decline due to intrinsic degradation rather than welding effects. The results demonstrate that optimized PGRW parameters ensure strong, stable, and electrically efficient interconnections. This validates PGRW as a reliable technique for achieving long-term durability and performance in satellite solar arrays.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Thermal-cycle durability of parallel-gap resistance welds in GaAs space solar cells

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月4日

查看全文
  • Mohamad Reza Nasresfahani,
  • Seyed Javid Mirahmadi,
  • Hadi Gorabi,
  • Hossein Nazemi,
  • Saeed Asghari,
  • Mahdi Zamani

摘要

The reliability of satellite solar arrays relies on robust interconnections between solar cells that can withstand severe thermal cycling in orbit. Parallel-gap resistance welding (PGRW) is preferred in space applications over soldering due to its mechanical and electrical advantages, though success depends on carefully selected parameters. This study investigates the performance of GaAs space solar cells with silver interconnectors welded using PGRW under defined conditions (1.2 V, 100 ms pulse, 300 g electrode force). Assessments of mechanical strength, visual integrity, and electrical performance were conducted both before and after accelerated thermal cycling equivalent to 1 year in low Earth orbit. All welded joints met the ECSS-E-ST-20-08C minimum pull strength of 3 N, with many exceeding 7 N. Electrical losses averaged below 2%, in compliance with AIAA S-111A-2014 standards. After thermal cycling, joints maintained mechanical robustness and showed negligible additional electrical degradation. By comparison, the unwelded control cell experienced significant performance decline due to intrinsic degradation rather than welding effects. The results demonstrate that optimized PGRW parameters ensure strong, stable, and electrically efficient interconnections. This validates PGRW as a reliable technique for achieving long-term durability and performance in satellite solar arrays.