Numerical Simulation of Crack Growth in the Glass Layer of Gallium-Arsenide Solar Cell

Space solar cells are usually made of gallium-arsenide and have many applications. Photovoltaic arrays generate stable and renewable electricity, which are mainly used in the absence of electrical transmission and distribution network. Similar to a layered composite, solar cells consist several layers such as glass layer, transparent layer, negative silicon layer, and positive silicon layer. The glass layer is one of the most important components of the solar cell, which is directly exposed to solar energy radiation and experiences many temperature changes during the day and night. Due to the different coefficients of thermal expansion of different layers, cracking of the glass layer is possible. The presence of one or more primary microscopic cracks in this layer and the extreme ambient temperature gradient will lead to the crack growth, resulting the failure or destruction of the glass layer, as well as improper functioning of the solar cell. In this research, crack growth in the glass layer is simulated by the extended finite element method and the effect of the length, location and angle of the initial crack as well as the thickness and dimensions of the layer are investigated. The results of numerical simulations reveal that among the above parameters, the dimensions of the protective glass layer have the greatest impact on the crack growth.