Investigation of Sustained Arc under Solar Cell

抄録

We have so far studied the sustained arc between solar array strings using solar array coupons. The solar cells are connected electrically in series by interconnectors. The interconnector is conductor and is weld at both backside and top of cells. The solar array paddle undergoes the mechanical stress due to thermal cycles in orbit. This stress may cause the separation of interconnector welding backside of cells. If the interconnector is separated from the cell, the string circuit is opened. However solar cells can generate voltage. If the separated interconnector attached to the cell again, the current can flow. If the path between interconnector and cell is formed by insulated adhesive, sustained arc can occur between the separated interconnector and cell. In this paper, the sustained arc between interconnector and cells was investigated experimentally.