Modeling of Operating Temperature Performance of Triple Junction Solar Cells Using Silvaco's ATLAS

The inefficiency of solar cells due to high operating temperatures presents a growing issue for the spacecraft industry. Currently, the problem is solved by accepting the manufactured designs and compensating for losses with larger solar arrays. Building upon prior thesis work at the Naval Postgraduate School, this thesis utilizes Silvaco’s ATLAS software as a tool to simulate the performance of a typical InGaP/GaAs/Ge multi-junction solar cell at various temperatures. Additional optimization is performed on the base thickness layers to represent that enhancement for the proper operating environment can be achieved. Results are shown for a multi-junction cell operating under Air Mass 0 at 300K, 325K, 350K, and 375K.