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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.

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At least 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1994

The Realuminizing of the 7-Meter Diameter Solar Simulator Collimating Mirror

This paper describes the modification of a three-electron-beam (EB) gun system for vacuum depositing a highly reflective aluminum coating on a 7.01-m (23-ft) -diam nickel-plated aluminum collimating mirror. The mirror is part of the JPL 7.62-m space simulator that was recently modernized with a new high vacuum pumping system, solar lamp power supplies, solar optic lens system, and refurbished collimating mirror. The mirror is the primary reflector for the solar simulation system and the aluminized reflective surface is its most critical performance element. The uniformity of thickness and high reflectivity of the coating is visible and near-ultraviolet (UV) light governs the accuracy of the beam for solar testing. The uniformity of the thin-film thickness also controls the durability of the mirror over time.

solar↗
NASA NTRS1988

Solar simulation with a rectangular beam

An existing space simulation test facility was modified by enlarging the solar simulator. Because of the restrictions imposed by existing equipment, the shape of the solar beam was altered from a circular to a rectangular cross section in order to adapt the test facility to test objects of increased size. This modification is described together with the results of preliminary measurements.

Feil, O. G.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Test plane uniformity analysis for the MSFC solar simulator lamp array

A preliminary analysis was made on the solar simulator lamp array. It is an array of 405 tungsten halogen lamps with Fresnel lenses to achieve the required spectral distribution and collimation. A computer program was developed to analyze lamp array performance at the test plane. Measurements were made on individual lamp lens combinations to obtain data for the computer analysis. The analysis indicated that the performance of the lamp array was about as expected, except for a need to position the test plane within 2.7 m of the lamp array to achieve the desired 7 percent uniformity of illumination tolerance.

Griner, D. B.↗
NASA NTRS2012

A Newton-Raphson Method Approach to Adjusting Multi-Source Solar Simulators

NASA Glenn Research Center has been using an in house designed X25 based multi-source solar simulator since 2003. The simulator is set up for triple junction solar cells prior to measurements b y adjusting the three sources to produce the correct short circuit current, lsc, in each of three AM0 calibrated sub-cells. The past practice has been to adjust one source on one sub-cell at a time, iterating until all the sub-cells have the calibrated Isc. The new approach is to create a matrix of measured lsc for small source changes on each sub-cell. A matrix, A, is produced. This is normalized to unit changes in the sources so that Ax(delta)s = (delta)isc. This matrix can now be inverted and used with the known Isc differences from the AM0 calibrated values to indicate changes in the source settings, (delta)s = A ·'x.(delta)isc This approach is still an iterative one, but all sources are changed during each iteration step. It typically takes four to six steps to converge on the calibrated lsc values. Even though the source lamps may degrade over time, the initial matrix evaluation i s not performed each time, since measurement matrix needs to be only approximate. Because an iterative approach is used the method will still continue to be valid. This method may become more important as state-of-the-art solar cell junction responses overlap the sources of the simulator. Also, as the number of cell junctions and sources increase, this method should remain applicable.

Snyder, David B.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Flat-Plate Solar-Collector Performance Evaluation with a Solar Simulator as a Basis for Collector Selection and Performance Prediction

The use of a solar simulator for performance determination permits collector testing under standard conditions of wind, ambient temperature, flow rate and sun. The performance results determined with the simulator have been found to be in good agreement with outdoor performance results. The measured thermal efficiency and evaluation of 23 collectors are reported which differ according to absorber material (copper, aluminum, steel), absorber coating (nonselective black paint, selective copper oxide, selective black nickel, selective black chrome), type of glazing material (glass, Tedlar, Lexan, antireflection glass), the use of honeycomb material and the use of vacuum to prevent thermal convection losses. The collectors were given performance rankings based on noon-hour solar conditions and all-day solar conditions. The determination with the simulator of an all-day collector performance was made possible by tests at different incident angles. The solar performance rankings were made based on whether the collector is to be used for pool heating, hot water, absorption air conditioning, heating, or for a solar Rankine machine.

Simon, F. F.↗
NASA NTRS1987

High power CW iodine laser pumped by solar simulator

An iodine photodissociation laser was pumped by a long Ar arc as the solar simulator to produce a 10-W CW output. Continuous lasing for 1 h was achieved with a flow of the laser material n-C3F7I. The 10-W CW output is the highest produced to date and establishes the feasibility of developing a solar-pumped laser for space power transmission.

Lee, Ja H.↗