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Solar dynamic power for Space Station FreedomThe Space Station Freedom Program is presently planned to consist of two phases. At the completion of Phase 1, Freedom's manned base will consist of a transverse boom with attached manned modules and 75 kW of available electric power supplied by photovoltaic (PV) power sources. In Phase 2, electric power available to the manned base will be increased to 125 kW by the addition of two solar dynamic (SD) power modules, one at each end of the transverse boom. Power for manned base growth beyond Phase 2 will be supplied by additional SD modules. Studies show that SD power for the growth eras will result in life cycle cost savings of $3 to $4 billion when compared to PV-supplied power. In the SD power modules for Space Station Freedom, an offset parabolic concentrator collects and focuses solar energy into a heat receiver. To allow full power operation over the entire orbit, the receiver includes integral thermal energy storage by means of the heat of fusion of a salt mixture. Thermal energy is removed from the receiver and converted to electrical energy by a power conversion unit (PCU) which includes a closed brayton cycle (CBC) heat engine and an alternator. The receiver/PCU/radiator combination will be completely assembled and charged with gas and cooling fluid on earth before launch to orbit. The concentrator subassemblies will be pre-aligned and stowed in the orbiter bay before launch. On orbit, the receiver/PCU/radiator assembly will be installed as a unit. The pre-aligned concentrator panels will then be latched together and the total concentrator attached to the receiver/PCU/radiator by the astronauts. After final electric connections are made and checkout is complete, the SD power module will be ready for operation.
Document ID
19890059146
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Labus, Thomas L.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Secunde, Richard R.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Lovely, Ronald G.
(Rockwell International Corp. Rocketdyne Div., Canoga Park, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1989
Publication Information
Publication: Space Power
Volume: 8
Issue: 1-2
ISSN: 0951-5089
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
IAF PAPER ICOSP89-4-1
Accession Number
89A46517
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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