Space Solar Energy System for Thermal and Photosynthetic Applications

摘要

Solar energy is readily available energy source in space. In most cases solar energy is first converted to electrical energy and then used for various applications. However, for some applications, it is more efficient to utilize solar energy directly. This paper discusses development of an innovative Optical Waveguide (OW) solar power system for thermal/thermochemical material processing and plant lighting applications. Results of experiments conducted in NASA's In-situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) Analog Test held at Mauna Kea, HI during 2010 are analyzed.