Simulation of Cosmic Radiation Dose of a Solar Cell and a Li-Ion Battery for a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite with GEANT4 and Comparison for Two Different Orbits
Abstract
Space radiation environment consists of high energy particles, mostly electrons and protons and devices that operate in space are exposed to these cosmic rays during their operation. This radiation may cause damage to the solid structure of devices and result in operational failure. Therefore the amount of absorbed radiation for each component should be calculated carefully before the production and qualification. Components can be sensitive to the total ionizing dose as well as the single event effects and displacement damage. Solar panels which provide power are one of the most vital parts of a satellite and consist of solar cells which are semiconductor devices and are very sensitive to radiation. Even a short term power cut may result in a total failure of the satellite. Similarly, Li-Ion batteries have a vital importance for satellites because of the energy storage requirements. Radiation can cause a Li-Ion battery to lose storage capacity dramatically. As a result, the operational lifetime or performance of a satellite can be reduced.In this study, the trapped proton and electrons fluxes and some solar ions fluences from the Space Environment Information System (SPENVIS) program for Sun-synchronous LEO orbits with two different altitudes have been compared. The solar cell and the Li-Ion battery of a specific LEO satellite were analyzed layer by layer for these two different altitudes. The data output from SPENVIS is used as input to a GEANT4 simulation which calculates the energy deposition in the layers of the solar cell and the Li-Ion battery. The results obtained from this simulation are considered in determining the amount of radiation hardness needed for the cells and the batteries and to improve their designs after future testing.
- Publication:
-
42nd COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- July 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018cosp...42E3767Y