Solar Arrays, Adhesives, and Space Applications
Solar power, harnessed by solar arrays, are not just vital in the transition to sustainable energy on land but also in powering space applications.
What are solar arrays?
Solar arrays are groups of solar panels, also referred to as photovoltaic modules, the same as are found on homes and buildings. Solar panels are arrays of photovoltaic (PV) cells assembled into a network to capture the energy of light and convert it to electricity.
Photovoltaics is arguably the fastest growing technology in recent years and is the essential power source for space applications, all satellites are equipped with them, and the international space station uses more than 400 square meters of solar panels to provide electricity.
How are solar arrays used in space?
Using photovoltaic panels in space is not new and have been used since the 1950’s by NASA to generate energy from the sun to power electronic devices needed for scientific discovery in space. In 1958 the US launched the first ever solar powered spacecraft, Vanguard 1, where solar energy was used to power the radio. Most spacecraft now use solar panels to harness the sun’s continuous energy and provide power for various needs.
The next iteration of solar panels also being used are roll out solar arrays (ROSAs), which are flexible arrays that are compact and unfurl. They are lighter and easier to transport than previous arrays while still maintaining a large surface area. They are currently being used for deep space exploration, scientific missions, commercial satellites and on the International Space Station to augment its traditional solar array.
Why use adhesives for solar arrays and solar panels?
When producing solar arrays and panels long term reliability is vital, materials need to be able to withstand the harsh environment, including temperature swings, (often from -100C to +260C) and the adhesive must bond 2 different substrates that have different coefficient of thermal expansion (CoE). Other challenges in space include intense UV exposure and micrometeoroid impacts. Due to proximity to the suns atmosphere some satellite solar arrays also require specialised cooling systems to prevent overheating and material degradation.
Certain adhesives, tapes, and sealants are developed to perform in extreme environments resisting vibration, impact, and UV to name a few, making them ideal for bonding and sealing applications on spacecrafts and solar arrays. Benefits of space suitable adhesives include:
- Low outgassing properties to comply with ASTM E595
- Low density for weight savings, especially important for large solar arrays
- Extreme environmental and temperature resistance
- Stress reduction
- Protection of electronic components from moisture & humidity
- Improving mechanical strength
- UV resistance
- Lower viscosity materials to high viscosity pastes making the assembly process more convenient (or less challenging)
- Mechanical shock and vibration resistance, especially during the launch phase
- Some products offer fast fixture times (ca 1h) improving production and assembly efficiency
- Conductive properties and thermal management
- Maintainable flexibility
Where can adhesives, sealants and tapes be used in space?
Adhesives can be used for various bonding and sealing applications on solar arrays and photovoltaic panels such as:
- Bonding PV cells into frames
- Solar frame bonding
- Back rail and stiffener mounting
- harness installation on the backside of the array
- Potting applications for electronics component protection
- Gap filling
- Panel edge sealing
- Thermal management of batteries to enable heating of the battery
- Thermal management for cooling parts
For more information about adhesives for solar array applications reach out to our Technical Team.
