NRL has developed a trough-configuration solar concentrator with ultra-light thin film reflectors that are stretched flat using an edge-tensioning support system. With a geometric concentration ratio of 2.5 to 1, the specific power of the photovoltaic array is approximately doubled by the NRL system. A 300 watt experimental demonstration model of the array/reflector system has been successfully built and deployed, and predicted power levels have been reached in solar simulator testing. Work currently underway includes design, construction, and deployment of a 4 kilowatt array, optimization of reflector border shape and reflector attachment method, testing and modeling of thermal cycling and temperature effects, and assessment of space degradation issues.


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    Title :

    Naval Research Laboratory solar concentrator program


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Space technology and applications international forum - 1998 ; 1998 ; Albuquerque,New Mexico (USA)


    Published in:

    AIP Conference Proceedings ; 420 , 1 ; 282-287


    Publication date :

    1998-01-15


    Size :

    6 pages





    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Naval Research Laboratory Solar Concentrator Program

    Sokolsky, I. / Brown, M. A. / University of New Mexico; School of Engineering; Institute for Space and Nuclear Power Studies | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1998


    Naval Research Laboratory Advanced Solar Panel Concentrator Experiment (ASPaCE)

    Whalen, B. P. / Brown, M. A. / University of New Mexico; School of Engineering; Institute for Space and Nuclear Power Studies | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1997