Evolutionary and Game Changing Technologies for Solar Power Generation

Ted SternVanguard Space Technologies, Inc.

San Diego, CAtstern@vst-inc.com

Solar Power Generation Requirements and Approaches

• Requirements haven’t changed much over the years– Broad power range (Watts – Megawatts)– Launch vehicle compatibility and LV related figures of merit

High mass specific power (W/kg) High stowed volume specific power (W/m3)

– Space vehicle compatibility and SV related figures of merit High reliability Operation/survivability in extreme environments (Thermal, Radiation, Plasma)

Structural stability for high power arrays (the reason for high efficiency)

– Low life cycle cost - easy qualification and manufacturing– Relevance – Technology development with a clear terrestrial payoff

• General approaches to address the requirements– Higher efficiency with lower mass / lower volume components

– Modularity, standardization, plug-and-play maintainability

– More effective shielding with thermal and radiation control

Integrated Manufacturing with Coverglass Replacement

• Lamination approach for solar panels with continuous front-side shield

• Integrated manufacturing approach - mechanical and electrical assembly

• Continuous front surface and intimate flex circuit back-wiring

• Improved shielding, electromagnetic cleanliness, and solar cell stress control

Integral Cover / Shield

Higher Efficiency, Lower Mass, Lower Volume

• Near-term thrusts – Thin, metamorphic multi-bandgap cells

Modular, compact, low mass Challenge of a robust panel Assembly that maintains low mass, low volume Relevance to solar long duration aircraft and CPV

– Solar concentrators – FAST Modular, compact, shielded Challenge of optical alignment

• Game-changing advanced technology– Spectrum converting and Multi-photon enabled photovoltaics

Allows greater spectrum utilization for higher potential efficiencies Using quantum dot technology Thermophotovoltaics is another approach – multi-fuel fired?

– Advanced coverglass replacement technology with enhanced radiation shielding, charge control, thermal control

Modular Solar Arrays

• Standardized, modular approach provides multiple benefits– Easier qualification with improved traceability (less scale-up uncertainty)

– Easier path to flight for new technology

– Cookbook approach to spacecraft design – Projectized Productionized

• Responsive build/integration schedules – easy ground maintenance• Module options for environmental / threat shielding, electromagnetic

cleanliness, advanced cell integration

Deployed Wing or Body-Mounted

Application

Concentrating Solar Power - Thermal

• Near-term thrusts– Modular concentrators and optical or thermal transmission bus– Allows independent sizing / optimization– ISRU approach from SBIR for carbothermal oxygen extraction– Thermal furnace or dynamic convertor– Relevance to commercial CSP and military expeditionary power

• Game changing technologies– Dual-fuel fired dynamic convertors – solar / nuclear– Solar wind turbines

Summary – Getting More From Solar Power Generation Research and Technology

• Technology investment in advanced materials provides mass, volume, shielding, survivability

• Better spectrum utilization and conversion efficiency• Modularity and standardization provides numerous

sizing, reliability, maintainability, and cost benefits• Relevance to terrestrial spinoffs is a critical objective