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Structural concepts for large solar concentratorsThe Sunflower large solar concentrator, developed in the early 1970's, is a salient example of a high-efficiency concentrator. The newly emphasized needs for solar dynamic power on the Space Station and for large, lightweight thermal sources are outlined. Existing concepts for high efficiency reflector surfaces are examined with attention to accuracy needs for concentration rates of 1000 to 3000. Concepts using stiff reflector panels are deemed most likely to exhibit the long-term consistent accuracy necessary for low-orbit operation, particularly for the higher concentration ratios. Quantitative results are shown of the effects of surface errors for various concentration and focal-length diameter ratios. Cost effectiveness is discussed. Principal sources of high cost include the need for various dished panels for paraboloidal reflectors and the expense of ground testing and adjustment. A new configuration is presented addressing both problems, i.e., a deployable Pactruss backup structure with identical panels installed on the structure after deployment in space. Analytical results show that with reasonable pointing errors, this new concept is capable of concentration ratios greater than 2000.
Document ID
19870012561
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Hedgepeth, John M. (Astro Aerospace Corp. Carpinteria, CA, United States)
Miller, Richard K. (Astro Aerospace Corp. Carpinteria, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 5, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1987
Publication Information
Publisher: NASA
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
NASA-CR-4075
NAS 1.26:4075
Accession Number
87N21994
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 481-32-23-01
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS1-17536
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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