Optimization of spherical facets for parabolic solar concentratorsSolar concentrator designs which employ deployable hexagonal panels are being developed for space power systems. An offset optical configuration has been developed which offers significant system level advantages over previously proposed collector designs for space applications. Optical analyses have been performed which show offset reflector intercept factors to be only slightly lower than those for symmetric reflectors with the same slope error. Fluxes on the receiver walls are asymmetric but manageable by varying the tilt angle of the receiver. Greater producibility is achieved by subdividing the hexagonal panels into triangular mirror facets of spherical contour. Optical analysis has been performed upon these to yield near-optimum sizes and radii.
Document ID
19870030899
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
White, J. E. (Harris Corp. Melbourne, FL, United States)
Erikson, R. J. (Harris Corp. Melbourne, FL, United States)
Sturgis, J. D. (Harris Corp. Melbourne, FL, United States)
Elfe, T. B. (Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, United States)