Researchers have combined antennas and solar cells to work together with unprecedented efficiency. The development is a first step towards more compact, lightweight satellites. The technology could also be deployed in the autonomous antenna systems used in the aftermath of natural disasters.
For their study, the researchers used so-called reflectarray (RA) antennas, which have the advantage of being flat, relatively cheap, and highly efficient. The antennas were combined with thin-film amorphous-silicon solar cells developed by PV-Lab.
In the device, a set of conductors (resonators) is placed on top of the solar cells. The layering makes it possible for the cells to maintain up to 90% of their photovoltaic efficiency.
Also: Learn about a UHF Antenna for Extreme Martian Thermal Environments.
