Preliminary concept of a 100-kilowatt miniaturized Cassegrainian concentrator solar array
A miniaturized Cassegrainian concentrator (MCC) solar array system is examined to assess the practicality of assembling the basic MCC element into a total array system capable of producing multi-hundred kilowatts of power for Space Platform/Space Station or other low Earth orbit long lifetime missions. Preliminary mechanical and electrical subsystems are developed in order to determine first order performance characteristics. Results of the study support the feasibility of a 100-kilowatt MCC array system with beginning-of-life (BOL) performance of 160 watts per square meter and 28 W/kg. The performance numbers are based on 20 percent efficient (at operating temperature) solar cells and 0.25-millimeter thick electroformed nickel optics. These performance numbers can be improved upon significantly with the development of higher efficiency solar cells and/or lighter weight optics.
- Research Organization:
- TRW Space Technology Labs., Redondo Beach, CA (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6031361
- Report Number(s):
- N-84-29332
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
140600* -- Solar Energy-- Photovoltaic Power Systems
CONVERSION
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ENERGY CONVERSION
EQUIPMENT
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT