Performance and lifetime of solar mirror foils in space

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1985 · Space Sol. Power Rev.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6030833

Fink, D; Biersack, J P; Staedele, M

The results of a Monte Carlo computer analysis of the long term effects of space radiation on the surfaces of giant orbiting mirrors are presented. The mirrors, thin surfaced and made of substances like, e.g., Mylar and Hostephan, which are polymers, would reflect solar radiation to earth and be of a size equivalent to that of the area they would illumine. Possible applications are the warming of cities, melting of icebergs in shipping lanes and the illumination of solar power plants. Attention was focused on the changes produced in the reflective surface by solar wind particle bombardment. It was found that an Al covering at least 0.1 mm thick would be needed for protection. Nevertheless, the surface would be destroyed by blistering and foil carbonization within 10 yr and would then require replacement. 12 references.

• Research Organization: Hahn-Meitner-Institut fuer Kernforschung, Berlin GmbH, Berlin, West Germany; Freie Universitaet, Berlin, West Germany
• OSTI ID: 6030833
• Journal Information: Space Sol. Power Rev.; (United States), Vol. 5:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
ORBITAL SOLAR REFLECTORS
PERFORMANCE
SERVICE LIFE
CARBONIZATION
IRRADIATION
MIRRORS
ORBITAL SOLAR POWER PLANTS
PHYSICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
POWER TRANSMISSION
PROTECTIVE COATINGS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR WIND
USES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COATINGS
DECOMPOSITION
EQUIPMENT
POWER PLANTS
RADIATION EFFECTS
SOLAR ACTIVITY
SOLAR CONCENTRATORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
SOLAR REFLECTORS
140700* - Solar Thermal Power Systems