Hanwha Systems’ Flexell Space collaborates with Airbus on next-generation space solar cell development
Flexell Space and Airbus to create highly efficient, adaptable, cost-effective space solar cell modules using tandem solar cells
Flexell Space and Airbus to collaborate on development of next-gen space solar cell modules
Hanwha Systems announced that its in-house venture, Flexell Space, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Airbus Defence and Space GmbH for a collaboration on the development of next-generation space solar cell modules using tandem solar cells.
Through this agreement, Flexell Space and Airbus plan to design and develop space solar cell modules that are more than 50% lighter than existing models, while maintaining equivalent performance and efficiency.
“We are extremely excited to collaborate with Airbus, a leader in the satellite manufacturing market,” said Tae hun Ahn, a senior researcher at Hanwha Systems and CEO of Flexell Space. “Through this collaboration, we will authenticate the performance of the world’s first new-material solar cells in space, aiming to establish a unique position in the global space solar cell market.”
“We are very pleased to develop high-efficiency solar cell modules suitable for space environments together with Flexell Space,” said Michael Mittnacht, Solar Array Sales Manager of Airbus Defence and Space GmbH. “We will leverage the strengths of both companies to innovate space solar cell technology.”
The structure of tandem solar cells developed by Hanwha Systems’ Flexell Space
Flexell Space’s tandem solar cells1 combine CIGS2 and perovskite3 materials, offering lightweight, high output at a lower cost compared to existing products. While conventional solar cells can convert solar energy to electrical energy at an efficiency of 20-30%, the tandem solar cells developed by Flexell Space are expected to create a revolutionary and differentiated solar cell that is highly efficient, low cost, rapidly produced, and flexible. The cells are bendable, allowing them to be rolled or unrolled according to the desired power output, and can be adapted to various satellite surfaces including small or curved areas. This technology is highly regarded as the driving force behind the advancement of the satellite and spacecraft industries.
1 Tandem solar cells: A next-generation solar cell that is made by stacking two solar cells to absorb different wavelengths of sunlight complementarily, thus improving efficiency.
2 CIGS: A thin-film solar cell that uses a light-absorbing layer made from a compound of four elements: copper (Cu), indium (In), gallium (Ga), and selenium (Se). It is characterized by low production cost, light weight, thinness, and excellent light absorption.
3 Perovskite: A solar cell that uses a light-absorbing layer made from perovskite materials with an ABX3 crystal structure, such as calcium titanate (CaTiO3). It can be mass produced cheaply and easily through solution processes and is emerging as a next-generation solar cell that could replace current silicon cells and be used in space.
Meanwhile, with the advent of the private-sector-driven New Space era, the satellite manufacturing market is expanding beyond satellites to include space exploration, high-altitude pseudo-satellites, and space solar power. Amid this diversifying space market, Flexell Space’s solar cells are being evaluated as a groundbreaking product that could replace existing, more expensive space solar cells.
Hanwha Systems
As a global total solutions company, Hanwha Systems provides differentiated smart technologies by leveraging synergies with advanced defense electronics and future–ready ICT technologies. In addition to our world–class expertise in defense electronics, we also provide state–of–the–art IT services, such as AI, big data, blockchain, cloud services and more, to lead digital innovation across a range of industries.
For more information, visit: www.hanwhasystems.com/en/index.do
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