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Electric power - Photovoltaic or solar dynamic?The design of the power system for supplying the Space Station with insolation-generated electricity is the main Phase B task at NASA-Lewis Center. The advantages and limitations of two types of power systems, the photovoltaic arrays (PV) and the solar dynamic system (SD), are discussed from the points of view of cost, overall systems integration, and growth. Subsystems of each of these options are described, and a sketch of a projected SD system is shown. The PV technology is well developed and proven, but its low efficiency calls for solar arrays of large areas, which affect station dynamics, control, and drag compensation. The SD systems would be less costly to operate than VP, and are more efficient, needing less deployed area. The major drawback of the SD is its infancy. The conservative and forgiving designs for some of its components must still be created and tested, and the development risks assessed.
Document ID
19850064891
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Thomas, R. L.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Hallinan, G. J.
(Rockwell International Corp. Rocketdyne Div., Canoga Park, CA, United States)
Hieatt, J. L.
(TRW, Inc. TRW Space and Technology Group, Redondo Beach, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: Aerospace America
Volume: 23
ISSN: 0740-722X
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Accession Number
85A47042
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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