Selective Coatings for Extraterrestrial Solar Energy Conversion: A Fundamental Analysis.

摘要

This report discusses the role of solar energy in the overall problem of secondary power generation for space vehicles. The principal technology needed for the successful use of solar power is that of achieving high solar energy collection efficiency. The author has analyzed the optical variables entering into coatings for the collection of solar energy and expressed these variables in graphical form suitable for use in future analysis of this type. The result Of this analysis leads to a graph of collection efficiency vs temperature which completely characterizes a coating for solar power generation. This study points up the need for coatings with high solar energy absorption.