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ALFAMA Advanced Lightweight and Flexible Array with Mechanical Architecture

More solar cells per unit of volume are needed in stowed configuration, and flexible solar arrays are the only answer for this high-power challenge.

In this context, ALFAMA project brings answers for the mass, cost & power challenge, with ambitions at each level of the solar array:
- The mechanical architecture, with a modular & retractable deployment system
- The photovoltaic assembly fabrication process, with printed harness & lamination for easier integration, manufacturing and high voltage protection
- The PVA structure, with thin flexible layers for high power/mass & power/volume ratio, adapted to epitaxial lift-off
- The solar cells, with the development of highly efficient & lightweight III-V IMM lift-off cells

ALFAMA's drastic improvements will enhance the EU space sector competitiveness, enable new missions and build synergies between space and non-space activities.

1/ Power/mass ratio increased by ≥ 50% with III-V lift-off solar cells
2/ Cost reduction with high throughput assembly process
3/ Power density increased more than 4 times with compact stowed configuration
4/ Relevant roadmaps for space & non-space applications

partners / contact

AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE NETHERLANDS BV

[ AIRBUS DS NL ]

Netherlands

Paul Zevenbergen

Paul Zevenbergen

AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE FRANCE SAS

[ AIRBUS DS FR ]

France

Dominique Vergnet

Dominique Vergnet

AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE GMBH

[ AIRBUS DS DE ]

Germany

Claus Zimmermann

Claus Zimmermann

Senior Expert Photovoltaic Power Systems

COMMISSARIAT A L ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

[ CEA ]

Romain Cariou

Romain Cariou

Research Scientist, Project Manager

FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.

[ Fraunhofer ]

Germany

David Lackner

David Lackner

Epitaxy and Development of Multi-Junction Solar Cells

AZUR SPACE SOLAR POWER GMBH

[ AZUR SPACE ]

Germany

Victor Khorenko

Victor Khorenko

Manager Business Development R&D Projects

TF2 DEVICES B.V.

[ TF2 ]

Netherlands

Gunther Bissels

Gunther Bissels

Scientific researcher Project manager

ABSISKEY

[ ABSISKEY ]

France

Olivier DE BARDONNECHE

Olivier DE BARDONNECHE

Project Manager

This project have received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 821876. This publication (communication) reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be helded responsible for any use whic may be of the information contained therein.

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graph - chart

Start 01/11/2018
100%
End 31/10/2021
Budget allocation . M€ Budget allocation
Effort 242 p*m Effort
Effort 7 persons Full time equivalent

news

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