Investigation of welded interconnection of large area wraparound contacted silicon solar cells

An investigation was conducted to evaluate the welding and temperature cycle testing of large area 5.9 x 5.9 wraparound silicon solar cells utilizing printed circuit substrates with SSC-155 interconnect copper metals and the LMSC Infrared Controlled weld station. An initial group of 5 welded modules containing Phase 2 developmental 5.9 x 5.9 cm cells were subjected to cyclical temperatures of + or 80 C at a rate of 120 cycles per day. Anomalies were noted in the adhesion of the cell contact metallization; therefore, 5 additional modules were fabricated and tested using available Phase I cells with demonstrated contact integrity. Cycling of the later module type through 12,000 cycles indicated the viability of this type of lightweight flexible array concept. This project demonstrated acceptable use of an alternate interconnect copper in combination with large area wraparound cells and emphasized the necessity to implement weld pull as opposed to solder pull procedures at the cell vendors for cells that will be interconnected by welding

Passive solar array orientation system /thermal heliotrope/ Final report, 23 Dec. 1968 - 23 Sep. 1969

Tracking requirement, design, and fabrication of passive solar array orientation system using bimetal element

Method of fabricating a photovoltaic module of a substantially transparent construction

A method characterized by the steps of positioning a plurality of uniformly dimensioned photovoltaic cells in registered relation with a plurality of openings formed in a planar tool is disclosed. The method allows acess to the P contact surface of each of the cells. The steps of the method are: (1) connecting the N contact surface of alternate cells to the P contact surface of the cells interposed therebetween, (2) removing therefrom residue of solder flux, (3) applying to the N contact surfaces of the cells a transparent adhesive, (4) placing a common transparent cover plate in engaged relation with the adhesive, (5) placing a film over the circular openings for hermetically sealing the openings, and (6) establishing a vacuum between the film and the cover plate

The rate of decline of social skills across dementing and non-dementing individuals with intellectual disabilities: a longitudinal study

This study sought to establish rate of decline of adaptive skills in a population of individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and dementia compared to similar persons without dementia, as well as examining the variability of positive and negative social behaviors across diagnostic classes. Among the general population, differential rates of functional decline have been established for normal aging and dementia. This knowledge assists in making differential diagnoses of dementia, establishing prognosis, and long-term planning. For this study, participants in each group were individually matched for age, gender, Down’s syndrome status, and level of ID. Participants in the matched control group were screened for the presence of dementia with the Early Signs of Dementia Checklist (Visser & Kuilman, 1990). A 2 (groups) X 3 (measures) X 4 (repeated measures) Mixed Multivariate Analysis of Variance was completed to assess rate of decline within groups with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (Sparrow, Balla, & Cicchetti, 1984) and corresponding changes in positive and negative behaviors as measured by the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills for the Severely Retarded (Matson, 1995). Hypothesis 1 established that prior to a diagnosis of dementia groups were equivalent (F (1, 40) = 1.086, p = .304). Hypothesis 2 found no significant differences for adaptive behaviors, therefore rate of decline was not established. However, visual analysis of plotted means supports predicted decline in skills for both groups. Furthermore there were significant differences across time for positive social skills as measured with the MESSIER (F (3, 96) = 3.887, p = .011, â = .811). Hypothesis 3 yielded significant correlations between the VABS and the MESSIER Positive domains. Hypothesis 4 resulted in no significant correlations between the VABS and the MESSIER Negative skills. The findings of Hypotheses 2, 3, and 4 provide support for the diagnostic utility of the MESSIER with dementia. However, Hypothesis 4 did not support different variances of negative behaviors across diagnostic groups. This would suggest that the measure of negative behaviors is not supported as a diagnostic tool at this time

Space shuttle launch vehicle performance trajectory, exchange ratios, and dispersion analysis

A baseline space shuttle performance trajectory for Mission 3A launched from WTR has been generated. Design constraints of maximum dynamic pressure, longitudinal acceleration, and delivered payload were satisfied. Payload exchange ratios are presented with explanation on use. Design envelopes of dynamic pressure, SRB staging point, aerodynamic heating and flight performance reserves are calculated and included

Concentrator enhanced solar arrays design study

The analysis and preliminary design of a 25 kW concentrator enhanced lightweight flexible solar array are presented. The study was organized into five major tasks: (1) assessment and specification of design requirements; (2) mechanical design; (3) electric design; (4) concentrator design; and (5) cost projection. The tasks were conducted in an iterative manner so as to best derive a baseline design selection. The objectives of the study are discussed and comparative configurations and mass data on the SEP (Solar Electric Propulsion) array design, concentrator design options and configuration/mass data on the selected concentrator enhanced solar array baseline design are presented. Design requirements supporting design analysis and detailed baseline design data are discussed. The results of the cost projection analysis and new technology are also discussed