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Title: Performance and lifetime of solar mirror foils in space

Abstract

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.

Authors:
; ;
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Hahn-Meitner-Institut fuer Kernforschung, Berlin GmbH, Berlin, West Germany; Freie Universitaet, Berlin, West Germany
OSTI Identifier:
6030833
Resource Type:
Journal Article
Journal Name:
Space Sol. Power Rev.; (United States)
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 5:1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
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

Citation Formats

Fink, D, Biersack, J P, and Staedele, M. Performance and lifetime of solar mirror foils in space. United States: N. p., 1985. Web.
Fink, D, Biersack, J P, & Staedele, M. Performance and lifetime of solar mirror foils in space. United States.
Fink, D, Biersack, J P, and Staedele, M. 1985. "Performance and lifetime of solar mirror foils in space". United States.
@article{osti_6030833,
title = {Performance and lifetime of solar mirror foils in space},
author = {Fink, D and Biersack, J P and Staedele, M},
abstractNote = {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.},
doi = {},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/6030833}, journal = {Space Sol. Power Rev.; (United States)},
number = ,
volume = 5:1,
place = {United States},
year = {Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1985},
month = {Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1985}
}