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Design, performance investigation and delivery of a miniaturized Cassegrainian concentrator solar array. Final technical report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5952177
A miniaturized Cassegrainian concentrator (MCC) solar array concept is being developed with the objective of significantly reducing the recurring cost of multikilowatt solar arrays. The desired cost reduction is obtained as a result of using very small high efficiency solar cells in conjunction with low-cost optics. In the MCC single element concept and panel concept, incident solar radiation is reflected from a primary parabolic reflector to a secondary hyperbolic reflector and finally to a 4-millimetr diameter solar cell. A light catcher cone is used to improve off-axis performance. An element is approximately 13-millimeters thick which permits efficient launch stowage of the concentrator system panels without complex optical component deployments or retractions. The MCC elements are packed in bays within graphite epoxy frames and are electrically connected into appropriate series-parallel circuits. A MCC single element with a 21 sq cm entrance aperture and a 20 percent efficient, 0.25 sq cm gallium arsenide solar cell has the same power output as 30-sq cm of 11-percent efficiency (at 68 C) silicon solar cells. The MCC concept provides the potential for a significant reduction in array cost due to a 99 percent reduction in required cell area and a 30 percent reduction in array area relative to planar array of equivalent power.
Research Organization:
TRW, Inc., Redondo Beach, CA (USA)
OSTI ID:
5952177
Report Number(s):
N-86-16726; NASA-CR-178571; REPT-42977-6002-UT-00
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
COST
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EFFICIENCY
EQUIPMENT
FABRICATION
GALLIUM ARSENIDE SOLAR CELLS
MINIATURIZATION
PARABOLIC REFLECTORS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR CONCENTRATORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR REFLECTORS