SOLAR EFFICIENCY LEAP. Aviation Week and Space Technology has reported that Spectrolab, the solar cell division of Hughes Electronics, has developed triple-junction gallium arsenide solar cells that are 26.8% efficient in converting solar energy into electricity. Company officials also claim that efficiencies could reach as high as 30-40% by 2002. Mass produced single-junction silicon solar cells are about 13% efficient.

The first of these cells could be operating on satellites by the end of the year. More efficient cells mean smaller arrays on spacecraft, translating into reduced launch costs. More powerful arrays without an increase in size are also possible.

As everything that goes up must come down, these space tested solar cells could eventually be put to work on the planet's surface, given cost considerations of course. Visit Spectrolab at http://www.spectrolab.com. (Keep returning; site under construction.)

SAFE ENOUGH FOR SPACE. The same respected journal has reported that Boeing's Phantom Works is working with U.S. Flywheel Systems to develop flywheel energy storage devices that could be used on satellites, the International Space Station (ISS), and for ground-based power storage.

In space the flywheels would replace nickel-hydrogen batteries now used as power storage systems for solar arrays. The flywheels have a better than 2:1 weight advantage over battery packs. On the Space Station 92 flywheels units could replace 184 battery units saving 35,000 lbs and at least $260 million in launch and related costs. The flywheels could last at least the 15-year design life of the ISS, possibly up to 30 years. The battery units last about 5 years. The flywheels utilize advanced composites in their construction.

Space technologies have to meet the highest standards for safety and reliability. Proven in earth orbit, flywheels would get more recognition down here.

SPEAKING FOR METHANOL. At a conference sponsored by the American Methanol Institute (AMI), DaimlerChrysler fuel cell guru Dr. Ferdinand Panik said, "Methanol is the fuel of the future, capable of fulfilling the requirements for sustainable, environment-friendly mobility in the long term."

Reaching out to competitors and fossil fuel companies, he also said "Automakers must develop affordable, practical vehicles that meet customer needs and the fuel providers should work on availability, affordability and volume production of methanol fuel."

Methanol is the preferred liquid fuel for fuel cells because of its high hydrogen "content". A fully equipped fuel cell powered 40 seat transit bus was also unveiled at the conference. The bus featured an on board reformer, 100 kW phosphoric acid fuel cell from International Fuel Cells, a battery pack for surge power, regenerative braking and a 250 hp AC induction motor and drive system from Lockheed Martin. The bus was developed by Georgetown University. Visit AMI at http://www.methanol.org/ , International Fuel Cells at http://www.internationalfuelcells.com/ .

Back Issues ENERGIES...the free weekly e-letter of products, innovation, issues and education in clean, renewable and efficient energy. Visit Green Energy News on the Web at http://www.nrglink.com for past issues. For free subscription contact bmulliken@nrglink.com. Copyright Green Energy News Inc. 2/6/99 vol.3 no.44.