Novel Encapsulation Coatings for Thin Film Photovoltaics

Cornerstone Research Group (CRG) proposes to develop and evaluate a novel encapsulation coating that protects thin film photovoltaic (PV) cells for the High Altitude Airship (HAA). The High Altitude Airship (HAA) is an unmanned, powered airship that is currently being developed to maintain a relative geostationary position at 65,000-70,000 feet. It is powered by regenerative fuel cells coupled with thin film PV or solar cells. These next-generation power generators will allow the HAA to stay on station for months or years at a time. Current state-of-the-art thin film PV cells need to be protected from the harsh conditions of the atmosphere in which the HAA operates. CRG proposes to develop a protective coating that will encapsulate the PV cells and protect them from atomic oxygen, ozone, and UV radiation degradation, while maintaining the efficiency of the PV cell. CRG's demonstrated expertise in materials and fabrication process technologies presents MDA with the opportunity to obtain a revolutionary improvement in photovoltaics. The combination of our experience in application-based optics and polymer research offers a unique combination of skills and experience to solve this problem. Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems-Akron and Uni-Solar support CRG's innovative approach to addressing the needs of the HAA.