Ultralight stretched Fresnel lens solar concentrator for space power applications

This paper discuses a novel, rollable, mass fabricable, low-concentration photovoltaic sheets for Cubesats providing them with efficient photoelectric conversion of sunlight and secondary diffuse light. The wrap consists of three thin (of order a millimeter or less), cheap plastic-sheet layers, which can be rolled together in a spiral wrapping configuration when stowed. Preliminary simulation based on the above modeling approaches show that the designs achieve comparable photovoltaic power (area for area) and (b) result in a flat angular response curve which remains flat from normal incidence of over 35 degrees to the normal. The simulation were performed using a ray tracing simulator built in Matlab. In addition, we have constructed a demonstrator using quartz wafers based on the optimized design to show the technology. Details of its fabrication are also provided.

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“…The replication of DOEs on plastic substrate and their small form factor is also an asset in the application considered here. 10 …”

Section: State Of the Artmentioning

confidence: 97%

Rollable nano-etched diffractive low-concentration PV sheets for small satelites

et al. 2014

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“…The +Y array has a string of Emcore ATJ concentrator cells with 508 micron thick, AR coated CMG cover glass, under a variation of a single-axis Fresnel lens known as a "stretched lens array" (SLA) providing X6.34 solar concentration. [3] A photograph of the SLA coupon is shown in Fig. 2.…”

Section: Solar Cell Experiments Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Initial results from the TacSat-4 solar cell experiment

Jenkins

Bentz²,

Barnds

et al. 2013

2013 IEEE 39th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC)

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The TacSat-4 spacecraft carries a solar cell experiment characterizing a string of 3 triple-junction 1-sun solar cells and a string of triple junction solar cells under a flexible, linear Fresnel lens providing approximately 6 times solar concentration. TacSat-4 flies in a highly elliptical, four hour orbit, passing through proton and electron radiation belts 12 times per day. The damage to solar cells in this environment is severe. In this paper we examine the solar cell damage rates of the two solar cell strings.

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“…By using pop-up arches to stretch the silicone Fresnel lens in the lengthwise direction only, these lenses become self-supporting stressed membranes. SCARLET's glass arches are thus no longer needed, eliminating their complexity, fragility, expense, and mass in the new, patented SLA [7]. With this substantial lensrelated mass reduction, the supporting panel structural loads are reduced, making ultra-light panels practical for SLA.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Novel Space-Based Solar Power Technologies and Arc...

Howell

O'Neill²,

Fikes

et al. 2005

56th International Astronautical Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, the International Academy of Astronaut

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Research, development and studies of novel space-based solar power systems, technologies and architectures for Earth and beyond are needed to reduce the cost of clean electrical power for terrestrial use and to provide a stepping stone for providing an abundance of power in space, i.e., for manufacturing facilities, tourist facilities, delivery of power between objects in space, and between space and surface sites. The architectures, technologies and systems needed for space to Earth applications may also be used for in-space applications. Advances in key technologies, i.e., power generation, power management and distribution, power beaming and conversion of beamed power are needed to achieve the objectives of both terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications. Power beaming or wireless power transmission (WPT) can involve lasers or microwaves along with the associated power interfaces. Microwave and laser transmission techniques have been studied with several promising approaches to safe and efficient WPT identified. These investigations have included microwave phased array transmitters, as well as laser transmission and associated optics. There is a need to produce "proof-of-concept" validation of critical WPT technologies for both the near-term, as well as far-term applications. Investments may be harvested in near-term beam safe demonstrations of commercial WPT applications. Receiving sites (users) include ground-based stations for terrestrial electrical power, orbital sites to provide power for satellites and other platforms, future space elevator systems, space vehicle propulsion, and space to surface sites. This paper briefly discusses achieving a promising approach to the solar power generation and beamed power conversion. The approach is based on a unique high-power solar concentrator array called Stretched Lens Array (SLA) for both solar power generation and beamed power conversion. Since both versions (solar and laser) of SLA use many identical components (only the photovoltaic cells need to be different), economies of manufacturing and scale may be realized by using SLA on both ends of the laser power beaming system in a space solar power application. Near-term uses of this SLA-laser-SLA system may include terrestrial and space exploration in near Earth space. Lunar surface power in the permanently dark polar craters is one important potential SLA-laser-SLA application. Later uses may include beamed power for bases or vehicles on Mars.Downloaded by CORNELL UNIVERSITY on July 30, 2015 | http://arc.aiaa.org |

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Ultralight stretched Fresnel lens solar concentrator for space power applications

Cited by 29 publications

References 6 publications

Rollable nano-etched diffractive low-concentration PV sheets for small satelites

Rollable nano-etched diffractive low-concentration PV sheets for small satelites

Initial results from the TacSat-4 solar cell experiment

Novel Space-Based Solar Power Technologies and Arc...

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