High Efficiency: The Power of "YIM" GaAs Solar Cells for Bird GPS Trackers

This article highlights the significant benefits of Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) solar cells, manufactured by YIM Space Machinery Ltd, for powering compact, energy-efficient devices, particularly in applications such as bird GPS trackers, drones, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and precision instruments. These devices often face the challenge of balancing power efficiency with physical size and weight, which makes our company “YIM” GaAs solar cells a suitable solution. Below, I'll expand on the article’s key points and discuss their relevance in more detail:

uHigh Efficiency (30%)

One of the primary benefits of GaAs solar cells is their high efficiency, typically around 30%. This is substantially higher than the efficiency of traditional silicon-based solar cells, which typically range between 15% and 20%. The higher efficiency means that GaAs cells can generate more power from the same amount of light.

In the context of bird GPS trackers, this high efficiency ensures that the tracker can operate for longer periods without needing frequent recharging or additional power sources, which is crucial for wildlife research where monitoring animals continuously over extended periods is important.

uPower Output

The power output of GaAs solar cells is relatively modest per individual cell but can still be significant when considering the specific requirements of small, mobile devices. Power ratings vary by cell size, from 7.81 mW for the smallest 5x5 mm cell to 32.81 mW for the largest 7.5x15 mm cell. While these outputs are low compared to larger solar panels, they are sufficient for devices that require only small amounts of energy, like sensors in IoT applications or GPS trackers on birds.

The ability to choose from a range of sizes allows designers to tailor the solar cell to the specific energy demands and form factor constraints of their device.

uVoltage and Current

These solar cells operate at a 2.5V output, which is a standard operating voltage for many small electronics, particularly in the realm of IoT and GPS systems. The current output varies with the size of the cell, from 3.13 mA for the smallest to 13.13 mA for the largest. This variability allows engineers to select the appropriate cell based on the power requirements of their device.

Such as bird GPS trackers, low-current solar cells are beneficial because they allow the system to run longer on a single charge or with minimal reliance on external power sources, thus improving the device's autonomy.

uShort Circuit Current Density

GaAs solar cells are capable of handling a short-circuit current density of ≥13.4 mA/cm², which is an indicator of how much current the cells can generate under stress (like high illumination). This high current density allows these solar cells to be more robust in varying light conditions, enabling reliable performance even in environments where light intensity is less than ideal, such as on overcast days or at high altitudes. For bird trackers, this is particularly advantageous.

uLightweight (0.03g to 0.10g)

One of the most important features of these GaAs solar cells is their lightweight nature. Weighing as little as 0.03g for the smallest 5x5 mm cell, these solar cells are light enough to be embedded in small mobile devices without significantly affecting their weight or functionality. This is particularly important for bird GPS trackers, as adding extra weight can interfere with the bird’s natural behavior or migration patterns.

uConclusion

In conclusion, the use of GaAs solar cells in small, mobile devices offers significant benefits in terms of power efficiency, compactness, and weight. Their high efficiency (30%) ensures that they can provide reliable power in energy-constrained applications like bird GPS trackers, drones, and IoT devices. The ability to choose from different sizes allows for flexible design options, and their lightweight nature makes them ideal for applications where every gram counts. With their ability to generate substantial power even under varying light conditions, “YIM” GaAs solar cells are well-positioned to meet the demands of modern precision instruments and remote devices that rely on sustainable, efficient energy solutions.

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