Solar thermal dynamic power systems offer an attractive non-nuclear alternative for large space power systems. Because of the possible higher efficiencies of the energy conversion system, the size of the solar thermal systems tends to be reduced over that of solar photovoltaic systems. This could be an advantage for low earth orbit missions where orbit decay and attitude maintainance may be a problem due to aerodynamic effects. Also, for the high radiation environment orbits (5000 km polar) solar thermal dynamic systems may be less susceptible to radiation degradation than solar photovoltaic systems. Considerable technology development for solar thermal dynamic systems has taken place in past years. Thousands of hours of run durations have been accumulated for Brayton and Rankine energy conversion units. Considerable data has also been accumulated on collector and receivers for these systems. Stirling cycle energy converters-free piston technology - is presently under development and shows promise for space applications. This paper discusses the present status of solar thermal dynamic space power technologies and projects the various attributes of these systems into the future, to the years 2000 and 2010.
Advanced solar thermal technologies for the 21st century
Verbesserte solarthermische Techniken fuer das 21. Jahrhundert
1986
8 Seiten, 10 Bilder, 3 Tabellen, 6 Quellen
Conference paper
English
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