Solar Energy Flux and the Maximum Efficiency of Solar Thermodynamic Power Generation in our Planetary System V. BADESCU AND C. DINU* Summary: The paper shows two procedures to compute the energy flux of unconcentrated or concentrated solar radiation by considering the Sun as an isotropic or non-isotropic source of radiation, respectively. The best results are obtained in the second case. Graphs with the distribution of solar energy flux in the planetary system are presented, as a function of the zenith angle. The maximum efficiency of solar energy "thermodynamic" conversion into work is discussed for both interplanetary and surface planetary solar power stations. Introduction One of the most important features of the next century is expected to be space industrialization [1], The Moon, asteroids, and planets will be the source of raw materials used for the production of power stations, satellites or transportation vessels, and progressively for the construction of space cities where a large part of mankind might live. Certainly the Sun will be one of the most important sources of energy to be taken into account by the space power engineers of the future. [2,3] As a good start, the concept of a lunar based solar power system has developed and analyzed [4,5], However, solar energy is not the only energy source to be used in the space power stations. Nuclear energy is, indeed, another solution which must be considered during the exploration and colonization of the solar system [6], To choose between these two main candidates is a question, the answer to which, is strongly dependent on the particular task under analysis. The decision will be certainly improve after a better understanding of the general features of each energy source. This paper has two main objectives. First, we intend to give a broader idea about the amount of solar energy at the level of whole solar system. Knowledge of solar energy availability is, indeed, of primary importance when a particular space power project is considered. Several studies concerning the amount of solar radiation are already available but they refer especially to Mars [7-9], Second, additional information will be given about the maximum efficiency of using solar energy to produce work by means of thermodynamic cycles. This technique will be a serious competitor the future for the more usual photovoltaic power plants; [3,10], t*Group of Solar Energy and Applications, Corp CG, sala 126 Polytechnic University of Bucharest Spl. Independentei 313, Bucharest 79590, Romania
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