Alignment and Initial Operation of an Advanced Solar SimulatorA solar simulator utilizing nine 30 kW xenon arc lamps was built to provide radiant power for testing a solar dynamic space power system in a thermal vacuum environment. The advanced solar simulator meets requirements specific to the solar dynamic system, including: (1) a subtense angle of 1 deg, (2) the ability to vary solar simulator intensity up to 1.7 kW/sq m, (3) a beam diameter of 4.8 m, and (4) uniformity of illumination on the order of +/- 10 percent. The flexibility of the solar simulator design allows for other potential uses of the facility. This paper presents a description of the facility, the alignment procedures used to deliver radiant power to the solar dynamic system, and a summary of the performance of the as-built solar simulator.
Document ID
19980118875
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Jaworske, Donald A. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Jefferies, Kent S. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Mason, Lee S. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)