THE SOLAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR THE ORBITING ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORIES
Electric power subsystem and the solar power supply system of the orbiting astronomical observatory /oao/
POWER SUPPLY↗
SEARCH · Search NASA
Results for “SOLAR POWER SYSTEM”
Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
Solar power satellite: System definition study. Part 1, volume 1: Executive summary
A study of the solar power satellite system, which represents a means of tapping baseload electric utility power from the sun on a large scale, was summarized. Study objectives, approach, and planning are presented along with an energy conversion evaluation. Basic requirements were considered in regard to space transportation, construction, and maintainability.
Source record↗
Solar power satellite system definition study. Volume 5, phase 1: Executive summary
An analysis of the solar power satellite system is presented. Performance, cost, and operational characteristics are assessed. The photovoltaic system is described and investigated. Alternative construction concepts are discussed. The structural bay configuration is presented along with the antenna structure options.
Source record↗
Solar-Electrochemical Power System for a Mars Mission
This report documents a sizing study of a variety of solar electrochemical power systems for the intercenter NASA study known as 'Mars Exploration Reference Mission'. Power systems are characterized for a variety of rovers, habitation modules, and space transport vehicles based on requirements derived from the reference mission. The mission features a six-person crew living on Mars for 500 days. Mission power requirements range from 4 kWe to 120 kWe. Primary hydrogen and oxygen fuel cells, regenerative hydrogen and oxygen fuel cells, sodium sulfur batteries advanced photovoltaic solar arrays of gallium arsenide on germanium with tracking and nontracking mechanisms, and tent solar arrays of gallium arsenide on germanium are evaluated and compared.
Withrow, Colleen A.↗
Solar Electric Power System Analyses for Mars Surface Missions
The electric power system is a crucial element of any architecture supporting human surface exploration of Mars. In this paper, we describe the conceptual design and detailed analysis of solar electric power system using photovoltaics and regenerative fuel cells to provide surface power on Mars. System performance, mass and deployed area predictions are discussed along with the myriad environmental factors and trade study results that helped to guide system design choices. Based on this work, we have developed a credible solar electric power option that satisfies the surface power requirements of a human Mars mission. The power system option described in this paper has a mass of approximately 10 metric tons, a approximately 5000-sq m deployable photovoltaic array using thin film solar cell technology.
Kerslake, Thomas W.↗
Cost study of solar cell space power systems
Historical costs for solar cell space power systems were evaluated. The study covered thirteen missions that represented a broad cross section of flight projects over the past decade. Fully burdened costs in terms of 1971 dollars are presented for the system and the solar array. The costs correlate reasonably well with array area and do not increase in proportion to array area. The trends for array costs support the contention that solar cell and module standardization reduce costs.
Bernatowicz, D. T.↗
Radioisotope Reduction Using Solar Power for Outer Planetary Missions
Radioisotope power systems have historically been (and still are) the power system of choice from a mass and size perspective for outer planetary missions. High demand for and limited availability of radioisotope fuel has made it necessary to investigate alternatives to this option. Low mass, high efficiency solar power systems have the potential for use at low outer planetary temperatures and illumination levels. This paper documents the impacts of using solar power systems instead of radioisotope power for all or part of the power needs of outer planetary spacecraft and illustrates the potential fuel savings of such an approach.
Fincannon, James↗
Solar power satellite system definition study. Volume 1, phase 2: Executive summary
A review of solar energy conversion and utilization is presented. The solar power satellite system is then described. Overall system definition and integration is discussed. Principal reference system study accomplishments and conclusions are presented.
Source record↗
Solar power satellite system definition study. Volume 6, phase 1: Space construction and transportation
A systems definition study of the solar power satellite is presented. Highlighted are the space construction and space transportation systems.
Source record↗
Materials compatibility issues related to thermal energy storage for a space solar dynamic power system
Attention is given to results obtained to date in developmental investigations of a thermal energy storage (TES) system for the projected NASA Space Station's solar dynamic power system; these tests have concentrated on issues related to materials compatibility for phase change materials (PCMs) and their containment vessels' materials. The five PCMs tested have melting temperatures that correspond to the operating temperatures of either the Brayton or Rankine heat engines, which were independently chosen for their high energy densities.
Faget, N. M.↗
Publications of the JPL Solar Thermal Power Systems Project, 1976 to 1983
The bibliographical listings in this publication are documentation products associated with the solar thermal power system project carried out by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory from 1976 to 1983. Documents listed are categorized as conference and journal papers, JPL external reports, JPL internal reports, or contractor reports. Alphabetical listings by title were used in the bibliography itself to facilitate location of the document by subject. Two indexes are included for ease of reference: one, an author index; the other, a topical index.
Gray, V.↗
Solar power satellite system definition study. Volume 1: Executive summary, phase 3
Results of a three phase study of the Solar Power Satellite System are summarized. Various options and alternate systems were considered and the following conclusions were reached: antenna mounted solid state transmitters are potentially as cost effective as the klystron approach, althrough limited to 2500 megawatts net output; the free electron laser and optical diode laser appear most promising for laser power transmission; ground antenna siting need not be restricted to below 35 degrees of latitude; and nonrecurring cost reductions attainable by using a smaller Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle are highly attractive.
Source record↗
Solar power satellite system definition study, volume 7
Guidelines and assumptions used in the design of a system of geosynchronous satellites for transmitting solar power to earth were discussed as well as the design evolutions of the principle types of solar power satellites and space support systems.
Source record↗
Phase 1 of the First Solar Small Power System Experiment (experimental System No. 1). Volume 2: Appendix A - D
Recommended conceptual designs for the baseline solar concentrator and electrical subsystems are defined, and trade offs that were evaluated to arrive at the baseline systems are presented. In addition, the developmental history of the Stirling engine is reviewed, the U4 configuration is described, and a Stirling engine heat pipe system is evaluated for solar application where sodium vapor is used as the heat source. An organic Rankine cycle engine is also evaluated for solar small power system application.
Clark, T. B.↗
Phase 1 of the First Solar Small Power System Experiment (experimental System No. 1). Volume 3: Appendix E - N
The design of a solar electric power plant for a small community is reported. Topics covered include: (1) control configurations and interface requirements for the baseline power system; (2) annual small power system output; (3) energy requirements for operation of the collectors and control building; (4) life cycle costs and reliability predictions; (5) thermal conductivities and costs of receiver insulation materials; (6) transient thermal modelling for the baseline receiver/thermal transport system under normal and inclement operating conditions; (7) high temperature use of sodium; (8) shading in a field of parabolic collectors; and (9) buffer storage materials.
Clark, T. B.↗
Performance and economic risk evaluation of dispersed solar thermal power systems by Monte Carlo simulation
A preliminary comparative evaluation of dispersed solar thermal power plants utilizing advanced technologies available in 1985-2000 time frame is under way at JPL. The solar power plants of 50 KWe to 10 MWe size are equipped with two axis tracking parabolic dish concentrator systems operating at temperatures in excess of 1000 F. The energy conversion schemes under consideration include advanced steam, open and closed cycle gas turbines, stirling, and combined cycle. The energy storage systems include advanced batteries, liquid metal, and chemical. This paper outlines a simple methodology for a probabilistic assessment of such systems. Sources of uncertainty in the development of advanced systems are identified, and a computer Monte Carlo simulation is exercised to permit an analysis of the tradeoffs of the risk of failure versus the potential for large gains. Frequency distribution of energy cost for several alternatives are presented.
Manvi, R.↗
Solar power satellite system definition study, phase 2. Part 1: Midterm briefing
An overview of the program plan for the Solar Power Satellite Program is given. Progress in the microwave power transmission system is reported. A description is given of the following: (1) launch and recovery site facilities, systems and operations; (2) cargo packaging; (3) earth-to-LEO cargo transportation operations; (4) LEO-to-GEO cargo transportation operations; (5) personnel transportation operations; (6) space vehicles in-space maintenance operations; and (7) SPS maintenance systems and operations. Other topics discussed include GEO base operations, satellite construction operations, intra-base logistics, and GEO base definition. A research and program plan is presented along with cost estimates.
Source record↗
SEI rover solar-electrochemical power system options
A trade study of power system technology for proposed lunar vehicles and servicers is presented. A variety of solar-based power systems were selected and analyzed for each. The analysis determined the power system mass, volume, and deployed area. A comparison was made between periodic refueling/recharging systems and onboard power systems to determine the most practical system. The trade study concluded that the power system significantly impacts the physical characteristics of the vehicle. The refueling/recharging systems were lighter and more compact, but dependent on availability of established lunar base infrastructure. Onboard power systems pay a mass penalty for being fully developed systems.
Withrow, Colleen A.↗