Solar cell temperature on Mars

• Published in: Solar energy 2015-08, Vol.118, p.74-79
• Main Authors: Delgado-Bonal, Alfonso, Martín-Torres, F. Javier
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Atmosfärsvetenskap; Atmospheric science; Design optimization; Humidity; Lander; Mars; Mars environment; Photovoltaic cells; Rover; Solar cell temperature; Space exploration; Space exploration missions; Temperature; Temperature effects
• ISSN: 0038-092X; 1471-1257; 1471-1257
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2015.04.035

•Operating cell temperature on Mars can be approximated by a linear expression.•Ross coefficients measured on Earth are able to be used on Mars.•Radiation losses have been included in the characterization of the cell temperature.•Wind refrigeration on Mars is in the range [0–2.5]°C.•We use real data of the Mars atmosphere to calculate the temperature of the cell. 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.