Space Solar Power (SSP) incorporates large power generators in space as shown in the above artist concept of a farm of power modules. Several technology options exist for power production, including photovoltaic arrays and solar dynamic systems. 5490 is working on developing the solar dynamic option for SSP, including the refractive secondary concentrator. Click here to learn more about Solar Dynamic Systems.

Objectives:

• Enable efficient concentration of solar energy for high temperature Solar Dyanmic power conversion
• Evaluate refractive secondary concentrator design and analysis tools
• Design and fabricate a refractive secondary prototype
• Test the secondary with a calorimeter in GRC's Tank 6 solar thermal vacuum facility to evaluate performance

Status:

• Completed design of sapphire refractive secondary concentrator customized for GRC's Tank 6 solar simulator/primary concentrator
• Liquid cooled calorimeter has been calibrated using quartz lamps for heat input
• Purchased high purity sapphire bar - preliminary materials testing indicates sapphire most attractive candidate material
• Fused silica fabrication test unit completed
• Completed fabrication of sapphire refractive secondary concentrator
• Solar splash shield designed and fabrication is nearing completion
• Facility being prepared for test (data acquisition, primary concentrator, checkout of solar simulator)

Hardware to be used for the RSC/Calorimeter Test:

Tank 6 Solar thermal vacuum facility - 15 ft Dia. concentrator	Calorimeter installed in support stand
Quartz Lamps used to calibrate calorimeter	High purity sapphire bar, 4"x4"x12"
Sapphire RSC being processed	Sapphire RSC being processed

Last Revision: January 4, 2000

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Last Updated: 07/31/2002