Title :
Conceptual design of high power advanced low mass (HPALM) solar thermionic power system
Author :
Begg, Lester L. ; Streckert, Holger S. ; Peltier, Douglas ; Watson, James
Abstract :
The conceptual design of an innovative solar space power system based on thermionic conversion of heat to electricity is in progress. The system is particularly attractive for large power requirements (>20 kW). Solar energy is collected with an inflatable structure, which can be a parabolic reflector or a Fresnel lens or reflector. The solar flux is further concentrated with a secondary concentrator before entering the thermal receiver. The heat is converted to electricity directly by cylindrical inverted multicell (CIM) thermionic converters. Initial estimates of volume and mass yield a preliminary specific mass of ∼80 W/kg and a preliminary specific stowed volume of ∼40 kW/m3.
Keywords :
solar absorber-convertors; space vehicle power plants; Fresnel lens; cylindrical inverted multicell thermionic converters; high power advanced low mass solar thermionic power system; parabolic reflector; reflector; solar energy; solar flux; solar space power system; thermal receiver; thermionic conversion; Computer integrated manufacturing; Energy conversion; Lenses; Optical receivers; Photovoltaic systems; Power systems; Resistance heating; Solar energy; Solar heating; Space heating;
Conference_Titel :
Energy Conversion Engineering Conference, 2002. IECEC '02. 2002 37th Intersociety
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-7296-4
DOI :
10.1109/IECEC.2002.1391964
