1«1«1 Solar Power Conversion Systems Solar power conversion systems include subsystems which collect and intensify solar radiation and those which dissipate heat from the power conversion process. Since design of these subsystems is largely independent of the conversion systems they support, they are discussed separately after the power converters. Systems for converting sunlight into electricity may be categorized as those which require active cooling and those which do not. Two systems which use passive cooling were investigated: silicon planar and gallium arsenide concentrator. Four systems which require active cooling were investigated: thermophotovoltaic (TPV) conversion, Brayton cycle, Rankine cycle, and Stirling cycle. At least one SPS design was developed and evaluated using each system. As stated above, the passively cooled systems were found to require significantly less non-lunar material. Total specific mass and non- lunar specific mass for each power conversion system are compared in Figs. 1.1-3 and 1.1-4. These figures do not include masses of other SPS subsystems. FIGURE 1.1-3, TOTAL SPECIFIC MASS COMPARISON
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