Periodic Reporting for period 1 - P4SPACE (Development of Perovskite Photovoltaics for Space Environment)
Reporting period: 2023-04-01 to 2024-03-31
P4SPACE Project "Development of Perovskite Photovoltaics for Space Environment"
Principal Investigator: Dr. Narges Yaghoobi Nia
Outgoing phase was completed in the Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces- EPFL university Switzerland under Supervision of Prof. Michael Graetzel as outgoing phase Supervisor.
P4 SPACE Objectives
OBJECTIVE #1. Realization of a photovoltaic system toward sustainable operation in space environments.
OBJECTIVE #2. To demonstrate cost effectiveness of the technology by developing volume manufacturing.
OBJECTIVE #3. To demonstrate a feasible road-map toward real space applications.
The P4SPACE project was conceived to address critical challenges in the field of sustainable energy, particularly focusing on the development and application of advanced photovoltaic (PV) technologies for space and terrestrial applications. The project is set against the backdrop of increasing global energy demands, the urgent need to mitigate climate change, and the EU's strategic focus on sustainable innovation and energy independence. By developing highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells, the project aims to revolutionize the generation of solar energy in extreme environments, such as space, and extend these benefits to terrestrial applications.
Context and Motivation
Space missions and extraterrestrial bases require reliable and efficient power sources, traditionally provided by high cost III/V multifunction PVs or recently silicon-based solar cells. However, these conventional cells face limitations in production cost (multifunction cells) and efficiency and durability, especially under the harsh conditions of space (silicon solar cells showed sever degradation properties on such harsh environments). Concurrently, there is a pressing need to enhance renewable energy sources on Earth to reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. The innovative perovskite solar cells, known for their high efficiency, low production costs and promising stability against space-based high energy radiations and particles, present a promising solution to these challenges but require significant advancements to meet the rigorous demands of space applications.
Overall Objectives
The primary objectives of the P4SPACE project include:
Development of High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells: Enhance the stability, efficiency, and durability of perovskite solar cells for use in space and terrestrial applications.
Testing and Validation: Conduct rigorous testing under space-simulated conditions to ensure reliability and performance.
Dissemination and Exploitation: Promote the adoption of these advanced solar technologies through international collaboration, conferences, and publications.
Policy Support: Provide scientific evidence and recommendations to inform policy related to space and renewable energy technologies.
Pathway to Impact
The project is structured to achieve its objectives through a series of coordinated work packages, including research and development, testing, dissemination, and policy engagement. The pathway to impact involves:
Innovative Research: Developing new materials and processes to enhance perovskite solar cells, supported by extensive laboratory testing.
International Collaboration: Engaging with leading institutions and industry partners to share knowledge, resources, and expertise.
Public Engagement and Policy Influence: Organizing conferences, publishing research findings, and participating in policy discussions to promote the technology and its benefits.
Expected Impacts
The P4SPACE project is expected to have significant impacts across several dimensions:
Scientific Impact: Advance the state-of-the-art in PV technology, particularly for space applications, through innovative research and development.
Economic Impact: Reduce the costs of space missions and improve the competitiveness of the European PV industry by promoting the adoption of efficient, low-cost solar cells.
Societal Impact: Contribute to the EU's energy transition goals by providing sustainable energy solutions, thereby reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability.
Industrial Impact: Influence the development of best practices for space and terrestrial solar energy systems, fostering innovation and setting benchmarks for future technologies.
Scale and Significance
The project's success will have far-reaching implications. By pioneering advanced solar technologies for space, the P4SPACE project not only supports the EU's strategic objectives in space exploration but also contributes to broader goals of energy sustainability and climate action. The innovations and knowledge generated through this project will position Europe at the forefront of the next generation of PV technologies, with potential applications spanning from deep space missions to everyday terrestrial energy solutions. This dual benefit underscores the project's significance, promising a transformative impact on both the energy sector and space exploration efforts.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Narges Yaghoobi Nia
Outgoing phase was completed in the Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces- EPFL university Switzerland under Supervision of Prof. Michael Graetzel as outgoing phase Supervisor.
P4 SPACE Objectives
OBJECTIVE #1. Realization of a photovoltaic system toward sustainable operation in space environments.
OBJECTIVE #2. To demonstrate cost effectiveness of the technology by developing volume manufacturing.
OBJECTIVE #3. To demonstrate a feasible road-map toward real space applications.
The P4SPACE project was conceived to address critical challenges in the field of sustainable energy, particularly focusing on the development and application of advanced photovoltaic (PV) technologies for space and terrestrial applications. The project is set against the backdrop of increasing global energy demands, the urgent need to mitigate climate change, and the EU's strategic focus on sustainable innovation and energy independence. By developing highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells, the project aims to revolutionize the generation of solar energy in extreme environments, such as space, and extend these benefits to terrestrial applications.
Context and Motivation
Space missions and extraterrestrial bases require reliable and efficient power sources, traditionally provided by high cost III/V multifunction PVs or recently silicon-based solar cells. However, these conventional cells face limitations in production cost (multifunction cells) and efficiency and durability, especially under the harsh conditions of space (silicon solar cells showed sever degradation properties on such harsh environments). Concurrently, there is a pressing need to enhance renewable energy sources on Earth to reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. The innovative perovskite solar cells, known for their high efficiency, low production costs and promising stability against space-based high energy radiations and particles, present a promising solution to these challenges but require significant advancements to meet the rigorous demands of space applications.
Overall Objectives
The primary objectives of the P4SPACE project include:
Development of High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells: Enhance the stability, efficiency, and durability of perovskite solar cells for use in space and terrestrial applications.
Testing and Validation: Conduct rigorous testing under space-simulated conditions to ensure reliability and performance.
Dissemination and Exploitation: Promote the adoption of these advanced solar technologies through international collaboration, conferences, and publications.
Policy Support: Provide scientific evidence and recommendations to inform policy related to space and renewable energy technologies.
Pathway to Impact
The project is structured to achieve its objectives through a series of coordinated work packages, including research and development, testing, dissemination, and policy engagement. The pathway to impact involves:
Innovative Research: Developing new materials and processes to enhance perovskite solar cells, supported by extensive laboratory testing.
International Collaboration: Engaging with leading institutions and industry partners to share knowledge, resources, and expertise.
Public Engagement and Policy Influence: Organizing conferences, publishing research findings, and participating in policy discussions to promote the technology and its benefits.
Expected Impacts
The P4SPACE project is expected to have significant impacts across several dimensions:
Scientific Impact: Advance the state-of-the-art in PV technology, particularly for space applications, through innovative research and development.
Economic Impact: Reduce the costs of space missions and improve the competitiveness of the European PV industry by promoting the adoption of efficient, low-cost solar cells.
Societal Impact: Contribute to the EU's energy transition goals by providing sustainable energy solutions, thereby reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability.
Industrial Impact: Influence the development of best practices for space and terrestrial solar energy systems, fostering innovation and setting benchmarks for future technologies.
Scale and Significance
The project's success will have far-reaching implications. By pioneering advanced solar technologies for space, the P4SPACE project not only supports the EU's strategic objectives in space exploration but also contributes to broader goals of energy sustainability and climate action. The innovations and knowledge generated through this project will position Europe at the forefront of the next generation of PV technologies, with potential applications spanning from deep space missions to everyday terrestrial energy solutions. This dual benefit underscores the project's significance, promising a transformative impact on both the energy sector and space exploration efforts.
Work Package 1
All the activities of the WP1 have been performed by the PI as planned. The substrates have been concluded to 1) glass coated by transparent conductive oxide (TCO) including F-doped tin oxide (FTO) and In-doped tin oxide (ITO); 2) flexible substrates including polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flexible and transparent plastics coated by TCO. The fundamental properties of the substrates e.g. transparency, sheet resistance, roughness and flexibility have been considered for selection of the best options.
Two device structure configuration including n-i-p and p-i-n have been selected for realization of the cells.
For the coating methods, all the lab-scale cells have been fabricated by spin coating method and the process and relevant deposition inks which are tested during the outgoing phase will be scaled up to larger substrates via invented zero-waste blade-spin deposition process [Zendehdel et al. Solar RRL, 2021]. The advantage of this method is fast transformation of the already developed inks of the outgoing phase to larger substrates for fabrication of perovskite solar modules and there is not any need for further optimisation of the inks and deposition process for module fabrication.
Various simulation and modeling activities have been performed. In collaboration with Rochester University and using semi-empirical simulations, different band-gap structures of the perovskite absorbers have been selected and optimized for best performance under space-based irradiation. Furthermore, the project’s PI investigated the configuration of the device stacks, barrier layers and thickness of the layers against different doses and energies of proton radiation using Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter (SRIM) and Transport of Ions in Matter (TRIM) simulations.
Indeed, the simulation results show the importance of the low energy proton irradiation which can be absorbed into the thin film structure of the PSCs while the higher energy particles can be transmitted through the stack without any impact. In addition, the main impact can be considered for the ETL, HTL and the interface between these layers and perovskite absorber.
Work Package 2:
All the activities of WP2 have been performed completely during the outgoing phase as planned. All the materials and relevant deposition inks for fabrication of all the layers including, ETL, perovskite, HTL, passivation layers, barrier layers and contacts have been optimized for fabrication of efficient and stable perovskite solar cells and modules, by the project’s PI under supervision of Prof. Graetzel during the outgoing phase of P4SPACE.
Some specific activities and achievements can be listed as following:
The performance of the SnO2 quantum dots deposition have been optimized on the thin film level. In addition, the morphology, crystallinity and photophysical properties of the selected hole transport materials (HTMs) namely, spiro-OMeTAD and MeO-2PACz self-assembly monolayer (SAM) as molecular HTMs and P3HT and PTAA as polymeric HTMs have been controlled in the thin film level (both flexible and glass substrates). High performance polymeric hole transport layers (HTLs) have been optimized based on PTAA conjugated polymer and via molecular weight tuning and Spiro-OMeTAD as molecular HTM especially for UVO stability. The performances have been controlled via fabrication of the n-i-p device configuration. On the other hand, MeO-2PACz SAM layer have been optimized to be used in the p-i-n device structure.
The impact of the UV/O3 environment (which can produce atomic oxygen) and UV-ray as the challenging space-based stressors have been controlled on the fabricated thin films. Both doped and no-doped layers of the molecular HTLs showed good stability against UVO environment.
Moreover, we also evaluated the photophysical variation of the P3HT thin film deposited on different substrates. The P3HT coated sample on the glass substrate showed the degradation of the P3HT layer via disappearing of the P3HT band gaps (1.68 eV and 1.85 eV) after 40 min UVO exposure.
Furthermore, we investigated the performance of different PTAA thin films against 40 min UVO exposure, higher molecular wight shows better UVO exposure stability compared to medium and low molecular weight. Various technical strategies including polaron arrangement, molecular weight tuning and sintering process for p-i-n configuration have been evaluated before and after UVO exposure. Indeed, the higher molecular weight of PTAA deposited by polaron arrangement process (Yaghoobi Nia et al. Nano Energy 2021) have been selected as optimized layer of the polymeric HTLs for UVO exposure stability.
Different perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been fabricated on both glass and flexible substrates. Indeed, for the flexible substrates the PEN-based cells showed better performance in comparison to PET reaching 22% photoconversion efficiency (PCE) under AM1.5G standard irradiation. For the glass-based substrates, both FTO and ITO based devices showed good photovoltaic performance reaching 23.5% PCE under AM1.5G standard irradiation.
We also evaluated the photovoltaic performance of the low temperature-processed planar-structure of fabricated PSCs under standard AM1.5G solar irradiation. Current-density voltage (JV) curve of the champion PSC. The device reached 1.14 V and 25.13 mA/cm2 open circuit voltage (Voc) and short circuit current density (Jsc), respectively. The device also showed 82% fill factor.
The electrochemical response under dark conditions of the fabricated PSCs containing Spiro-OMeTAD and PTAA as hole transporting layers have been analyzed by cyclic voltametery (CV) in both forward and reverse scan modes as well as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) at different voltages. In addition, we used dark CV method to control the electrochemical variation of the cells before and after UVO exposure. Indeed, the cells show stable electrochemical response against UVO exposure.
Photovoltaic parameters of the cell have been tested before and after 30 min UVO exposure via evaluation of the JV curves. The results show keeping the initiated performance upon UVO exposure. The results shows better performance compare to the state of the art which lost 17% of initial performance after 1800 second (30min) using SiO2 as barrier layer and without barrier layer it could resist 90% of initial efficiency until 400 second and it suddenly dead after this exposure time [Kirmani et al, Nature Energy 2023]. The light soaking stability of the fabricated devices have been evaluated by continuous maximum power point (MPP) tracking of the cells under 1-sun simulated solar irradiation and atmospheric air conditions of the test chamber and the result of 100 h tracking. The optimized devices showed promising stability under continuous illumination and MPP tracking.
We also used X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis for evaluation of the crystalline phase variation of the PSCs containing Spiro-OMeTAD and PTAA as hole transport layers, under UV-ray exposure of the cells (atmospheric conditions: ~60% relative humidity and room temperature). The results show high stability of both 3D perovskite and 2D perovskite passivation layer against UV-ray exposure.
Work Package 3 and 4:
Various activities have been performed by the project’s PI to coordinate the required facilities and designing of the fabrication and test procedures before starting of these WPs. In particular, the PI designed the programing and structure of the perovskite modules which will be fabricated during the return phase. In addition, the PI also tested the blade-spin process for scalable deposition of the large area of module layers during the timeline of the outgoing phase.
Work Package 5:
Various dissemination and exploitation activities have been performed by the PI which are discussed in the comprehensive technical report of the outgoing phase.
All the activities of the WP1 have been performed by the PI as planned. The substrates have been concluded to 1) glass coated by transparent conductive oxide (TCO) including F-doped tin oxide (FTO) and In-doped tin oxide (ITO); 2) flexible substrates including polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flexible and transparent plastics coated by TCO. The fundamental properties of the substrates e.g. transparency, sheet resistance, roughness and flexibility have been considered for selection of the best options.
Two device structure configuration including n-i-p and p-i-n have been selected for realization of the cells.
For the coating methods, all the lab-scale cells have been fabricated by spin coating method and the process and relevant deposition inks which are tested during the outgoing phase will be scaled up to larger substrates via invented zero-waste blade-spin deposition process [Zendehdel et al. Solar RRL, 2021]. The advantage of this method is fast transformation of the already developed inks of the outgoing phase to larger substrates for fabrication of perovskite solar modules and there is not any need for further optimisation of the inks and deposition process for module fabrication.
Various simulation and modeling activities have been performed. In collaboration with Rochester University and using semi-empirical simulations, different band-gap structures of the perovskite absorbers have been selected and optimized for best performance under space-based irradiation. Furthermore, the project’s PI investigated the configuration of the device stacks, barrier layers and thickness of the layers against different doses and energies of proton radiation using Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter (SRIM) and Transport of Ions in Matter (TRIM) simulations.
Indeed, the simulation results show the importance of the low energy proton irradiation which can be absorbed into the thin film structure of the PSCs while the higher energy particles can be transmitted through the stack without any impact. In addition, the main impact can be considered for the ETL, HTL and the interface between these layers and perovskite absorber.
Work Package 2:
All the activities of WP2 have been performed completely during the outgoing phase as planned. All the materials and relevant deposition inks for fabrication of all the layers including, ETL, perovskite, HTL, passivation layers, barrier layers and contacts have been optimized for fabrication of efficient and stable perovskite solar cells and modules, by the project’s PI under supervision of Prof. Graetzel during the outgoing phase of P4SPACE.
Some specific activities and achievements can be listed as following:
The performance of the SnO2 quantum dots deposition have been optimized on the thin film level. In addition, the morphology, crystallinity and photophysical properties of the selected hole transport materials (HTMs) namely, spiro-OMeTAD and MeO-2PACz self-assembly monolayer (SAM) as molecular HTMs and P3HT and PTAA as polymeric HTMs have been controlled in the thin film level (both flexible and glass substrates). High performance polymeric hole transport layers (HTLs) have been optimized based on PTAA conjugated polymer and via molecular weight tuning and Spiro-OMeTAD as molecular HTM especially for UVO stability. The performances have been controlled via fabrication of the n-i-p device configuration. On the other hand, MeO-2PACz SAM layer have been optimized to be used in the p-i-n device structure.
The impact of the UV/O3 environment (which can produce atomic oxygen) and UV-ray as the challenging space-based stressors have been controlled on the fabricated thin films. Both doped and no-doped layers of the molecular HTLs showed good stability against UVO environment.
Moreover, we also evaluated the photophysical variation of the P3HT thin film deposited on different substrates. The P3HT coated sample on the glass substrate showed the degradation of the P3HT layer via disappearing of the P3HT band gaps (1.68 eV and 1.85 eV) after 40 min UVO exposure.
Furthermore, we investigated the performance of different PTAA thin films against 40 min UVO exposure, higher molecular wight shows better UVO exposure stability compared to medium and low molecular weight. Various technical strategies including polaron arrangement, molecular weight tuning and sintering process for p-i-n configuration have been evaluated before and after UVO exposure. Indeed, the higher molecular weight of PTAA deposited by polaron arrangement process (Yaghoobi Nia et al. Nano Energy 2021) have been selected as optimized layer of the polymeric HTLs for UVO exposure stability.
Different perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been fabricated on both glass and flexible substrates. Indeed, for the flexible substrates the PEN-based cells showed better performance in comparison to PET reaching 22% photoconversion efficiency (PCE) under AM1.5G standard irradiation. For the glass-based substrates, both FTO and ITO based devices showed good photovoltaic performance reaching 23.5% PCE under AM1.5G standard irradiation.
We also evaluated the photovoltaic performance of the low temperature-processed planar-structure of fabricated PSCs under standard AM1.5G solar irradiation. Current-density voltage (JV) curve of the champion PSC. The device reached 1.14 V and 25.13 mA/cm2 open circuit voltage (Voc) and short circuit current density (Jsc), respectively. The device also showed 82% fill factor.
The electrochemical response under dark conditions of the fabricated PSCs containing Spiro-OMeTAD and PTAA as hole transporting layers have been analyzed by cyclic voltametery (CV) in both forward and reverse scan modes as well as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) at different voltages. In addition, we used dark CV method to control the electrochemical variation of the cells before and after UVO exposure. Indeed, the cells show stable electrochemical response against UVO exposure.
Photovoltaic parameters of the cell have been tested before and after 30 min UVO exposure via evaluation of the JV curves. The results show keeping the initiated performance upon UVO exposure. The results shows better performance compare to the state of the art which lost 17% of initial performance after 1800 second (30min) using SiO2 as barrier layer and without barrier layer it could resist 90% of initial efficiency until 400 second and it suddenly dead after this exposure time [Kirmani et al, Nature Energy 2023]. The light soaking stability of the fabricated devices have been evaluated by continuous maximum power point (MPP) tracking of the cells under 1-sun simulated solar irradiation and atmospheric air conditions of the test chamber and the result of 100 h tracking. The optimized devices showed promising stability under continuous illumination and MPP tracking.
We also used X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis for evaluation of the crystalline phase variation of the PSCs containing Spiro-OMeTAD and PTAA as hole transport layers, under UV-ray exposure of the cells (atmospheric conditions: ~60% relative humidity and room temperature). The results show high stability of both 3D perovskite and 2D perovskite passivation layer against UV-ray exposure.
Work Package 3 and 4:
Various activities have been performed by the project’s PI to coordinate the required facilities and designing of the fabrication and test procedures before starting of these WPs. In particular, the PI designed the programing and structure of the perovskite modules which will be fabricated during the return phase. In addition, the PI also tested the blade-spin process for scalable deposition of the large area of module layers during the timeline of the outgoing phase.
Work Package 5:
Various dissemination and exploitation activities have been performed by the PI which are discussed in the comprehensive technical report of the outgoing phase.
Photovoltaic parameters of the cell have been tested before and after 30 min UVO exposure via evaluation of the JV curves. The results show keeping the initiated performance upon UVO exposure. The results shows better performance compare to the state of the art which lost 17% of initial performance after 1800 second (30min) using SiO2 as barrier layer and without barrier layer it could resist 90% of initial efficiency until 400 second and it suddenly dead after this exposure time [Kirmani et al, Nature Energy 2023].
The P4SPACE project has made substantial progress towards achieving its scientific, economic, societal, and processes objectives. Below, the advancements are detailed in each area, supported by a monitoring and evaluation strategy that includes baselines, benchmarks, assumptions, and calculations where applicable.
Scientific impact:
1. Development of sustainable PSCs for space applications:
o Baseline: Despite promising stability of the PSCs against high energy radiations, prior research indicated limited stability of some PSCs against specific stressors e.g. atomic oxygen, UV-ray, low-energy particles, light soaking and harsh thermal cycling in space conditions.
o Progress: Development of various engineering process and thin film development for advancements in PSCs, including stability improvements and application of novel materials.
Benchmarks: Achieved significant milestones in material stability and efficiency (e.g. enhanced stability against atomic oxygen and UV-ray exposure in addition to continuous light soaking). Achieving 23.5% efficiency on low temperature planar structure and stable, resist again UVO and light soaking.
The results shows better performance compare to the state of the art which lost 17% of initial performance after 1800 second (30min) using SiO2 as barrier layer and without barrier layer it could resist 90% of initial efficiency until 400 second and it suddenly dead after this exposure time [Kirmani et al, Nature Energy 2023].
Assumptions: PSCs will be a viable alternative to current space solar technologies if stability and efficiency benchmarks are met with the space-based standards.
2. Design and testing of space-ready PV technologies:
o Baseline: Existing space PV technologies are primarily based on GaAs III-V multijunction solar cells.
o Progress: Organized the PVSPACE-23 conference, bringing together experts to discuss state-of-the-art and future roadmaps.
Benchmarks: Successful demonstration of perovskite solar cells as a new PV technology in a space environment.
Assumptions: Collaborative efforts and knowledge sharing at conferences will accelerate technological advancements.
Economic Impact
1. Reducing the cost of space missions through advanced PV technologies:
o Baseline: High costs associated with traditional space PV technologies.
o Progress: Research on low-cost and space-stable materials for PSCs.
Benchmarks: Cost reduction in the production and deployment of space solar cells.
Assumptions: Adoption of PSCs will lead to lower overall mission costs due to cheaper materials and manufacturing processes.
2. Creating market opportunities for new PV technologies:
o Baseline: Market dominated by high cost GaAs multijunction PV technologies.
o Progress: The PI's appointment to the editorial board of Communications Engineering and guest editing roles for focused issues on perovskite for space and opening a collection for PV for space application in the Communication Engineering Journal (Nature Portfolio) increasing visibility and credibility of PSCs.
Benchmarks: Increased market share for PSCs in space and terrestrial applications.
Assumptions: Publications and conference presentations will drive market interest and investment in PSC technologies.
Societal Impact
1. Educational outreach and knowledge dissemination:
o Baseline: Limited awareness and understanding of PSCs in the broader scientific community and public.
o Progress: Active participation in international conferences (e.g. NanoBio 2023) and seminars.
Benchmarks: Increased number of citations and references to P4SPACE research in other scientific works.
Assumptions: Effective dissemination of research findings will inspire further studies and applications of PSCs.
2. Fostering international collaboration:
o Baseline: PSC research is fragmented across different regions and institutions.
o Progress: Established international consortia for multiple research proposals (e.g. SUNWISE and ECOWAVE).
Benchmarks: Successful funding and execution of international projects.
Assumptions: Collaboration will enhance research quality and innovation through shared resources and expertise.
Processes impact
1. Integration of PSCs into existing space technologies:
o Baseline: Integration of new PV technologies into existing space systems is challenging.
o Progress: Participation in proposals for funding from international space and research organizations.
Benchmarks: Integration of PSCs in at least one space mission.
Assumptions: PSCs can be effectively integrated into current and future space systems with demonstrated reliability and performance.
Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy
Baselines:
• Established through literature reviews and initial project assessments.
• Focus on the current state of PSC technology, costs, market presence, and educational outreach.
Benchmarks:
• Defined based on project milestones and deliverables.
• Include publication of research papers, successful organization of conferences, and establishment of international consortia.
Assumptions:
• Justified based on existing research and expert opinions.
• Include the feasibility of cost reductions, market penetration, and technological integration.
Calculations:
• Quantified impacts using metrics such as publication counts, citation rates, project funding amounts, and conference attendance.
• Economic impacts assessed through cost analysis of materials and manufacturing processes.
• Societal impacts measured by outreach activities and collaboration indices.
The P4SPACE project has made substantial progress towards achieving its scientific, economic, societal, and processes objectives. Below, the advancements are detailed in each area, supported by a monitoring and evaluation strategy that includes baselines, benchmarks, assumptions, and calculations where applicable.
Scientific impact:
1. Development of sustainable PSCs for space applications:
o Baseline: Despite promising stability of the PSCs against high energy radiations, prior research indicated limited stability of some PSCs against specific stressors e.g. atomic oxygen, UV-ray, low-energy particles, light soaking and harsh thermal cycling in space conditions.
o Progress: Development of various engineering process and thin film development for advancements in PSCs, including stability improvements and application of novel materials.
Benchmarks: Achieved significant milestones in material stability and efficiency (e.g. enhanced stability against atomic oxygen and UV-ray exposure in addition to continuous light soaking). Achieving 23.5% efficiency on low temperature planar structure and stable, resist again UVO and light soaking.
The results shows better performance compare to the state of the art which lost 17% of initial performance after 1800 second (30min) using SiO2 as barrier layer and without barrier layer it could resist 90% of initial efficiency until 400 second and it suddenly dead after this exposure time [Kirmani et al, Nature Energy 2023].
Assumptions: PSCs will be a viable alternative to current space solar technologies if stability and efficiency benchmarks are met with the space-based standards.
2. Design and testing of space-ready PV technologies:
o Baseline: Existing space PV technologies are primarily based on GaAs III-V multijunction solar cells.
o Progress: Organized the PVSPACE-23 conference, bringing together experts to discuss state-of-the-art and future roadmaps.
Benchmarks: Successful demonstration of perovskite solar cells as a new PV technology in a space environment.
Assumptions: Collaborative efforts and knowledge sharing at conferences will accelerate technological advancements.
Economic Impact
1. Reducing the cost of space missions through advanced PV technologies:
o Baseline: High costs associated with traditional space PV technologies.
o Progress: Research on low-cost and space-stable materials for PSCs.
Benchmarks: Cost reduction in the production and deployment of space solar cells.
Assumptions: Adoption of PSCs will lead to lower overall mission costs due to cheaper materials and manufacturing processes.
2. Creating market opportunities for new PV technologies:
o Baseline: Market dominated by high cost GaAs multijunction PV technologies.
o Progress: The PI's appointment to the editorial board of Communications Engineering and guest editing roles for focused issues on perovskite for space and opening a collection for PV for space application in the Communication Engineering Journal (Nature Portfolio) increasing visibility and credibility of PSCs.
Benchmarks: Increased market share for PSCs in space and terrestrial applications.
Assumptions: Publications and conference presentations will drive market interest and investment in PSC technologies.
Societal Impact
1. Educational outreach and knowledge dissemination:
o Baseline: Limited awareness and understanding of PSCs in the broader scientific community and public.
o Progress: Active participation in international conferences (e.g. NanoBio 2023) and seminars.
Benchmarks: Increased number of citations and references to P4SPACE research in other scientific works.
Assumptions: Effective dissemination of research findings will inspire further studies and applications of PSCs.
2. Fostering international collaboration:
o Baseline: PSC research is fragmented across different regions and institutions.
o Progress: Established international consortia for multiple research proposals (e.g. SUNWISE and ECOWAVE).
Benchmarks: Successful funding and execution of international projects.
Assumptions: Collaboration will enhance research quality and innovation through shared resources and expertise.
Processes impact
1. Integration of PSCs into existing space technologies:
o Baseline: Integration of new PV technologies into existing space systems is challenging.
o Progress: Participation in proposals for funding from international space and research organizations.
Benchmarks: Integration of PSCs in at least one space mission.
Assumptions: PSCs can be effectively integrated into current and future space systems with demonstrated reliability and performance.
Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy
Baselines:
• Established through literature reviews and initial project assessments.
• Focus on the current state of PSC technology, costs, market presence, and educational outreach.
Benchmarks:
• Defined based on project milestones and deliverables.
• Include publication of research papers, successful organization of conferences, and establishment of international consortia.
Assumptions:
• Justified based on existing research and expert opinions.
• Include the feasibility of cost reductions, market penetration, and technological integration.
Calculations:
• Quantified impacts using metrics such as publication counts, citation rates, project funding amounts, and conference attendance.
• Economic impacts assessed through cost analysis of materials and manufacturing processes.
• Societal impacts measured by outreach activities and collaboration indices.