Photovoltaics for high capacity space power systems
The anticipated energy requirements of future space missions will grow by factors approaching 100 or more, particularly as a permanent manned presence is established in space. The advances that can be expected in solar array performance and lifetime, when coupled with advanced, high energy density storage batteries and/or fuel cells, will continue to make photovoltaic energy conversion a viable power generating option for the large systems of the future. The specific technologies required to satisfy any particular set of power requirements will vary from mission to mission. Nonetheless, in almost all cases the technology push will be toward lighter weight and higher efficiency, whether of solar arrays or storage devices. This paper will describe the content and direction of the current NASA program in space photovoltaic technology. The paper will also discuss projected system level capabilities of photovoltaic power systems in the context of some of the new mission opportunities under study by NASA, such as a manned lunar base, and a manned visit to Mars.
- Research Organization:
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, OH (USA). Lewis Research Center
- OSTI ID:
- 5670177
- Report Number(s):
- N-89-10122; NASA-TM-101341; E-4360; NAS-1.15:101341; CONF-8810156-
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: International Astronautical Federation (IAF) symposium on economics of space operations, Bangalore (India), 8-15 Oct 1988
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Power systems for production, construction, life support, and operations in space
Related Subjects
25 ENERGY STORAGE
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SUPPLIES
SOLAR THERMAL POWER PLANTS
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
POWER PLANTS
POWER SUPPLIES
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
140600* - Solar Energy- Photovoltaic Power Systems
140700 - Solar Thermal Power Systems
250901 - Energy Storage- Batteries- Design & Development